John the Baptist - part V

“But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more then a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matt. 11:9-11). This is the witness that the Lord Jesus bore of John the Baptist. He said John the Baptist was more than a prophet, because he was specially sent to prepare the way and the people for the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and to bear witness of Him. This prophet was different from most prophets, for among those born of women there had not risen anyone greater than him. Today, this verse of the Bible will also be fulfilled in us. Therefore, if we have the insight, we will know how glorious and honorable our ministry is! Many people forsook this ministry for a little benefit of the world, such as marriage of fame. What a pity! There for, let us respect and honor our ministry.

Although John the Baptist was a great prophet, he also had his weaknesses. He doubted the Lord. “And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two disciples and said to Him, ‘Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” (Matt. 11:2-3). John the Baptist was bright and courageous, and had knowledge of the Messiah when he bore witness of the Lord Jesus. However, he later doubted Him and said, “Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?” We need to understand the circumstances John was in at that time. He was greatly afflicted in jail. In weaknesses, he may have thought: Since the Lord Jesus is the Messiah who is omnipotent and can raise the dead, why doesn’t He come and save me or visit me in jail? O lord, how can you be so merciless?...

Men have nothing to boast of. Anyone can become weak and have doubts while in hardships, afflictions and trials. John the Baptist also became weak but he did not stumble. That was God’s special mercy and grace. We are no different. Sometimes when God raises up a new circumstance, we tend to be weak and almost stumble. But today, it is all God’s mercy that we are still able to walk on this path of the cross and to stand on this position of serving God.

People who were greatly used by God, such as Moses, David, and Peter – all had moments of weaknesses. What more to say of us? Apostle Paul said, “Whenever I am weak, I am strong.” Those who really love God and the truth may also have weaknesses, but they will not stumble. John the Baptist was one of them. He sacrificed his life to bear witness of the Lord and accomplished God’s will. He finally completed the work entrusted by God and finished his course. Now, he is waiting for the reward in heaven.

The Lord Jesus said, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” For the Lord Jesus was destined for the fall and rising of many. Today, the man raised up by God and the mountain chosen by Him in the end time are also destined for the fall and rising of many. Blessed are we if we are not offended by this man and this mountain. We will eventually accomplish God’s will and complete the work entrusted by Him.