21st Century John the Baptist

If I were about to open a sermon in a Pentecostal gathering, I would simply say.  “I’m not here to give you something to shout and dance about, but rather to think about.”  Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that as a child of God, especially one that names the name of Christ as Savior and Lord that it is our duty to tell others not only about how he’s saved us (Episcopalians prefer the term redeemed), but that in fact, he is coming again.  We do this corporately during the Memorial Acclamation before communion.  “We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory.”

Both the births of John the Baptist and his, carpenter turned self-proclaimed rabbi cousin are miraculous events that run parallel with the other.  John the Baptist, whose name means gracious gift of Jehovah was born to elderly parents who were beyond child bearing years.  In fact Zechariah, John’s father was struck dumb by the angel Gabriel because of his unbelief in the promise of God.  Then Jesus’ story, considered unbelievable and a farce to some and centerpiece of faith and religion to others challenges our every notion of why a supreme deity would undergo human incarnation, come and dwell among the meek and lowly and be the ultimate scapegoat of salvation for humanity.  I know it’s crazy, but I’m crazy enough to believe and share that story of my faith.

John the Baptist was a few months older than Jesus.  Nothing much is made known to us about the relationship that they had as cousins.  We do know that as adults they knew each other, after all John baptized Jesus in the Jordan.  We can tell that by his conversation with his cousin in the waters of the Jordan, that John knew Jesus, more deeply and prolifically beyond the familial bond of second or third cousins.  He knew that Jesus was the God that he had preached about.  He knew that it was in the name of Jesus that he baptized many into repentance.  

Have you thought about the fact that you are a 21^st Century John the Baptist?  Just as John the Baptist preached and made believers of Jesus before his earthly ministry began, we too have been charged by Jesus with the great commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”  Now we don’t have to walk around the Judean countryside, hide out in the wilderness and eat locusts and honey as John did.  However, it is incumbent upon us to share the focal points of John’s message with society prepare yourselves, clean your hearts and receive the salvation of the Lord.  

As a 21^st Century John the Baptist, we don’t have to worry about being beheaded for speaking out against the injustices of society.  Sometimes talking about and sharing our faith is not easy, but Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites make it much more convenient for us to do it with a larger audience and an even great impact than John the Baptist may have had.  Make sure that in this holy season of Advent, that you share the testimony of Jesus in your life be it in word or deed.  You are now the embodiment of the voice that cries out in the wilderness and chaos of your life. “Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!”  You are the agent of God that will remind his people that as Father Bill Bennett reminded the parishioners of Good Shepherd Raleigh “We are loved by that which is above and beyond us.”

Peace,
Karsten