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John the Baptist Comes Preaching
John the Baptist Comes Preaching
Reread Luke 3:1-2 and notice all of the powerful men of this time: Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, Caiaphas, and John the Baptist. John? How did he get on this list?
How was God introducing the greatest person to have ever lived? A Royal decree by political and religious leaders? No, but a lone prophet in an out of the way province in the empire. Later, Jesus would say:” among men there has not been any greater…” (Matt. 11:11). Such greatness was not about political power or literary brilliance, nor even social greatness.
John came preaching – repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This was followed by the preaching of same message by Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, etc.
As men have been perpetually wrapped up in political power struggles, generation after generation dynasties, kings, emperors, war-lords, etc., have come AND GONE. Yet the greatest need of each generation, society, and person is repentance toward God for sin and rebellion.
Things haven’t changed much: different politicians, different governments, different wars, yet the same need of repentance. “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent” (Acts 17:30).
“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents… is that YOU?
Hugh DeLong
