“Zeal is essential to success.”–-
Charles H. Spurgeon
Jesus described John the Baptist as a “burning and shining lamp.” (John 5:35) In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist is never referred to as “the Baptist,” but fills the role of testifier. He should really be labeled John the Witness. His whole ministry was one of preparation. His call to those who gathered near him was one of repentance. His personal goal? To decrease while the Lord Jesus increased. He was an ascetic, an individual who lived denying himself. He adopted a rigorous lifestyle which drew crowds to himself. (see Matthew 11:7-9) He was zealous for the Lord and uncompromising with the truth, even when that truth landed him in prison. (see Matthew 14:1-12) The prologue of the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18), is an amazing passage that introduces many of the themes of the gospel. To be mentioned in the prologue and to have a place in this gospel narrative is of the highest honor, and John the Witness is found there:
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. (John 1:6-8)
John’s purpose was summarized in the phrase he “came to bear witness about the light.” He accomplished this with great zeal. Regarding zeal, Spurgeon writes, “Zeal is essential to success.” I close with a quote and a question. First, the rest of Spurgeon’s quote, “Brethren, we would not condemn the use of zeal in the common affairs of life, for zeal is essential to success; we only wish that Christians would take copy from worldly men and be half as earnest and half as ambitions to maintain and increase the kingdom of their Lord and Master, as some men are after petty trifles or selfish aggrandizements.” And now, the question, would you describe your witness as zealous? May the Lord make us to be burning and shining lamps in the world. Have a blessed week and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
