Dear Editor,
Aside from Jesus Christ, there has never been a preacher as devoted and loyal than the messenger sent to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
As Jesus described, he was not a reed moved by the winds or a delicate sissy dressing himself in expensive clothing. He was a gutsy, rugged spokesman for the Almighty, who held truth at a premium and refused to compromise no matter the cost.
In what spiritual condition were the people in to whom John was preaching?
In Matt. 11, Jesus declared that if the miracles he performed had been done in Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom they would have repented. We can conclude then that incredible wickedness and hardness of hearts existed in those days.
With this in mind what type of preacher did God choose to come on the scene?
John was similar to the prophets of the Old Testament like Amos, Elijah, and Jeremiah. He was unswayed by popular opinion and refused to cower to earthly rulers, determined only to please the KING OF KINGS.
John’s life began under the care of godly parents (Luke 1:6) who undoubtedly understood the value of their influence.
Too many parents today seem oblivious to their offspring’s need for spiritual training. As John commenced his preaching in Matt. 3:2 his first recorded word is “repent”.
This sermon topic has never been popular among sinful society who would rather hear smooth things that pacify their itching ears.
John, full of courage and boldness, refused to water down God’s message to man even rebuking the king Herod for his adulterous marriage for which he paid with his life.
With our nation in the condition it’s in, one may wonder what kind of preaching we need today. I propose we need men like John the Baptizer.
Blake Hawkins
Coldwater, Miss.
