Continuing on with the revelation given to me regarding Matthew chapter 3.
The question kept rising up in my Spirit, "Why did You go into so much description of John the Baptist in verse 4?"
"John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair,
and he had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey."
I read it over and over again pondering His divine reason. The Word does not describe many people with such specifics. The first words He spoke to me were "pure, humble, and modest". He then explained to me that He uses the simple things of this world to confound the wise, and that extravagance distracts us from achieving all He has for our lives.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 5:3)
This does not mean that God wants every person completely stripped of every comfort and possession. It simply means, if your desire for relationship with Him isn't a burning fiery passion that far surpasses your desire for any other person or thing in this world, you're missing the fullness that He has for you. John the Baptist used meagerness to walk in fullness. He didn't allow the distractions of this world to hinder his purpose of making straight paths for the Messiah. He also kept himself pure. Pure in mind and body. He wasn't going to allow anything to slow his walk and hinder his purpose. What did this lead to? He paved the way and ushered in the movement from the ministry of condemnation to the ministry of reconciliation. Due to John's obedience and willingness, the era of God's wrath has been put to rest until judgement day. Please don't mistake me here! I am fully aware that righteousness was fulfilled by Jesus and He is the One that deserves all the praise, however, look at verses 13-15...
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan
to be baptized by John.
But John tried to deter Him saying,
'I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?'
Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper
for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.'
Then John consented."
Jesus was not going to baptize Himself! He needed John to comply, and John did, thus assisting Jesus in His task.
How many times has God asked us to assist Him in a life-giving task, and we were too distracted by our comforts or possessions? Maybe we were afraid of what it would do to our image or reputation?! Maybe we were hesitant because our property could be in jeopardy?! There are many excuses why people don't step out when God needs them to comply, but none of them are valid! I challenge each and every one of you, friends, to rid your lives of the unnecessary distractions and
"...press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you."
(Philippians 3:12)
Run with me church!
*purusamor.com*
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