What could a man say that would bring some to repentance and
others to desire his death? John the Baptist did just that in Luke 3. There,
John brings the law back from the precipice of a cheap substitute. Reminding
Jews and Romans alike of the holiness of God and his law, he left them all in
an unfamiliar place. The truth was so evident that they had to respond to a God
they didn’t really know. Some saw their guilt and responded with teachable
hearts – “what do we do next?” But some, like Herod, wanted him arrested. When
we come face to face with God’s holiness, at least as much of that holiness as
we can bear to see, we either fall in worship or we fight in vain or we flee,
hoping that we can outrun justice.
What do you choose? Herod chose to fight and John was
killed. John was killed because he worshiped Jesus. But before John was
arrested, he saw Jesus coming his way. My friend, Jesus comes your way, not to
cheapen law, but as the only one able to fulfill it and take your justice. Don’t
run and don’t fight. Give in, believe, repent and worship. It probably won’t
cost you your life but if it does, the price will be worth it all.
Anchored in Grace,
Harrison