In Matthew 3, Pharisees and Sadducees came to John for baptism, and he subsequently called them names and commanded them to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance." My guess is they did not end up wet that day.
A few things:
1. John was not concerned with his ministry popularity - he kept mission over popularity/doctrine over doting
2. John knew they were coming for the pomp and circumstance, not the symbol and act of repentance
3. John recognized that God doesn't need people to join religious movements ("God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham..."), so he doesn't push for more numbers to join his ranks
In thinking on 'those Pharisees' I was challenged. Do I hold to appearances and forms of religious activities more than their actual power?
- Do I read Scripture without believing God will speak?
- Do I attend corporate worship gatherings not expecting God's Spirit to move in community?
- Do I pray without believing God is actively and passionately listening?
Yes, I do.
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Scott, I was thinking of you last night as I inadvertently over plucked my right eyebrow and then, of course, had to repeat on the left side to even things out! Seriously, tho, glad to see you are posting again. Your honesty and boldness to reveal yourself to your readers is appreciated.
ReplyDeletethanks, cindy! I miss those eyebrows...was hoping to see you at Christmas time but understood the difficulty. Hope all is well and thanks for reading.
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