Scripture: Luke 3: 15-20
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.
Consider:
The crowd in Luke 3 is buzzing with expectation. People are wondering if John the Baptist might be the Messiah. He could be called the original influencer… he has momentum, he has an audience eager to follow him. He has everything he needs to take the moment to get even more famous…and stay safe.
But John doesn’t take the easy way, he takes the way that follows God. He tells the truth—even when it is dangerous. He points away from himself and toward the One who is coming after him. And he speaks boldly to Herod, calling out sin in the highest places of power. Luke records the result plainly: “And Herod… locked John up in prison.”
This passage reminds us of a truth we often prefer to overlook: faithfulness to God does not guarantee ease nor does it promise comfort.
John understood the assignment. He was not the Messiah; he was the witness. His job was to prepare the way, not to keep his own life comfortable and conflict free. He didn’t stay comfortable in his popularity or sidestep that which needed to be said in order to stay cool with those in charge.
We may not face prison for our faith, but we do face real costs:
* Speaking truth may cost us the “approval” of some of those around us.
* Living with integrity may cost us opportunities we thought were good ones.
* Refusing to compromise may cost us comfort, especially when our faith requires us to get up and act.
Luke wants us to see that the kingdom of God advances through people willing to take the sometimes uncomfortable, confrontational path of truth and light. It’s not the road to easy street, but it is the road on which the Good News travels.
Respond:
Take 5 minutes today, by yourself, to HONESTLY think on the following questions:
* Where might God be calling you to faithfulness that feels risky?
* Are there ways you soften the truth to avoid consequences?
Just for today, think on these 2 questions…don’t necessarily take any action, yet. If these questions give you pause, take time in the coming week to make small changes to the way you express/live into your faith that perhaps applies a little “John the Baptist Boldness” to your love…see where it takes you!
Pray:
God of the simple and the difficult, help me to walk in Your Light, even when it’s uncomfortable. Give me courage to follow You with integrity and faith, knowing that Your truth leads to life. Transform my fear into love and action, and help me embrace the uncomfortable moments with bravery and joy. Amen.
