Scripture:
Matthew 3:1-7 NKJV
[1] In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, [2] and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” [3] For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” [4] Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. [5] Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him [6] and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. [7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Observation:
John the Baptist is one of my favorite characters in the bible. Bold and brash, but honest and to the point as well. He wasn’t one who would put up with the facade of religion or religious leaders. He always cut through to the truth real quick. As we can see here in Matthew chapter 3. Dividing right into the scripture this morning, we see John come onto the scene and get right to the point, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As we know, John was Jesus Christ’s cousin and, in fact, HIS forerunner. That means he came to prepare the way for the appearance of Christ. As was spoken about in the book of Isaiah. Which, as we know, is an Old Testament book. I bring that point up because I want us to see that we can’t just dismiss the Old Testament. It’s honestly mentioned quite frequently in the New Testament. John, being full of the Holy Spirit from the time of his conception, knew that he had to get to work because his cousin would be making an appearance pretty quickly. His statement in verse 2 brings that point to the forefront of what is being said by him. Matthew, the writer of this book, wanted us to tie it back to the Old Testament, so he made sure to specifically mention and quote what Isaiah had written about this moment in time. Matthew also wanted to make sure we had a good idea of what John looked like. Describing him as a man’s man. With a camel hair coat and a leather belt. With a very unusual diet. When I picture him in my mind I don’t see your average individual. I see a rough-looking person who just walked out of the woods who has grasshopper hopper legs sticking out of his beard. Bold and brash, without fear. As his ministry begins here in Matthew we see he wastes no time getting to his point. Saying in a sense, “my cousin is coming you might want to get ready.” Of course, the words he used were slightly different, but I believe that’s his point. That kind of statement drew the attention of those who saw themselves as better than. They dressed the part, and they knew all the right things to say. But their heart were not in the right place. The religious leaders also known as the Pharisees. You could always see them coming bringing a crowd of people who looked up to them because they had a lot of knowledge in the word of GOD. They just couldn’t see it when it was right in front of them unfolding. As they approached John, he really got right to the point. Using a description for them that was less than friendly and asking a very serious question. “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” John had seen their behavior over the past several years I’m sure, and he was unafraid to speak his mind about it. “Therefore bear fruit worthy of repentance, and do not think to say of yourself, we have Abraham as our father.” But what was it the John was saying in that statement. I hope to clarify that. You see the religious leaders of that time trusted in their own righteousness found through the law. The old covenant. But what John was preaching was different. He was preaching repentance through washing and regeneration. The law had a sacrificial system and what John was preaching is that, his cousin was coming to change all that. Latter saying of HIM the Lamb of GOD who comes to take away the sin of the world. As John continues to address these people who saw themselves as a cut above the rest. He does not lighten up his commentary on them. Telling them that this is their opportunity. Christ is coming, and repentance is required.
Application:
I have to admit I don’t look like your average Christian. Most people look at me and see an abrasive individual, and to be honest, I can be, but my heart is what matters. My desire is to see us all in heaven. I believe GOD looks at the condition of our hearts. There are going to be a lot of people who are nicely dressed and look the part in the line for weeping and gnashing of teeth. People who ignored the needs of their neighbors. Because they could not contribute, or they did not look the part. My heart and desire are to build the kingdom of heaven. My retirement plan is the rapture. The benefits are out of this world. You might think I’m stupid, but honestly I don’t care what you think of me. You might not like me because I have told you some truth. I’m ok with that. I’m not trying to make friends I’m doing what I can to make disciples. My concern is not your feeling its your heart. Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Storing up treasure hear on earth will get you no where. My goal is to see all of you in heaven. I want to expose my heart for a minute. There is a lady who goes to the church. She has a house that needs some repairs. She us not one who is able to contribute anything because she is on a fixed income. I want to help her. But my money is limited. The one thing I can do is perform the work. I just need the supplies. She has gone to a church and they said they can not help because the house is on a rent to own contract. Most rent to own contracts end in default. The house returning to the original owner. In worse condition then it was before only to be sold again. My heart is for this lady. The churches don’t seem to want to help. What I’m asking is were is your heart. Are you willing to do something for the kingdom? Are you willing to love your neighbor, like you love yourself. If your house was in tatters you would fix it would you not? The churches wont help because they feel like its a bad investment. But what are we really investing in? The house? Or the person? Are we worried about our bank account? Or our heavenly account? Just a few questions i have. Tell me where you are here. Are you one who looks religious, but your heart is black as night, or will you love your neighbor as you love yourself?
Prayer:
Father, I know I got off base from your word. I hope you can take what was pit out there this morning and make an impact for your kingdom. We do not just want to look the part. In fact if we didn’t look the part it might be better. What we are asking you to do is take who you have made us to be and use it to further YOUR kingdom not some building we call a church. Father we are your church. This SOAP is a call to arms. This lady needs to see you in us. Im asking you to show up and show out. I’m asking your people to rise up and show the love that you have placed in their hearts. Father i know you are good, and I know what i am asking is a very little thing in the perspective of what you can do. You own the cattle on a thousand hills. You can provide everything that’s needed to help this lady, and you can do it outside the 4 walls of a building. You can do it with your people the ones who worshiped in spirit and in truth. I will use my hands and the knowledge you have given me. The rest is on you Father. Its in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.