I Ate with John the Baptist.

Recently, I had a a church leader refer to a church colleague as John the Baptist.

I immediately chuckled. He fits the mold better than anyone I know in today’s world. “Ha! He really is our ‘Modern Day’ John the Baptist!” I exclaimed. In a glance, I realized it was meant as a Biblical jab, and I immediately felt uncomfortable.

Yes, I wrote John the Baptist. & Yes, I wrote Biblical jab.

She went on to explain why a “John the Baptist” type doesn’t fit our congregational needs and why it doesn’t really work in Today’s church. I went on to ponder if we had read the same Bible. I was in shock and caught off guard. It was the first time in a long time I felt the desire to send my husband a “Rescue Me!” text. But, as much as I wanted to get away from the energy presented, I also needed to try and understand it.

Unfortunately, the clarity never came. I was at lunch with a Herod.

On my way home, all I could think about was how impactful John the Baptist was for God’s plan. John the Baptist was a leader. He was strong and dedicated to his discipleship. He preached repentance. He lived a simple life. He was obedient to God’s call and kept his needs and actions humble. He was courageously baptizing in the wilderness risking his life for the repentance of others. & if all that doesn’t sell you on what an amazing historical figure he was, he took the Nazirite vow for life.

He was BOLD in his conviction.

In his mother’s womb he leaped at the presence of Mary carrying the Messiah. He was the prophet chosen by God to prepare His people for the coming of His son, Jesus. He was the prophet chosen to baptize Jesus in the Jordan. & He courageously spread the word of God until his death.

His belief and his faith were unwavering.

If you ask me … Today’s world could use a few more John the Baptist types.

The whole interaction sparked a lot of reflection on our church family in my household. Andrew and I started to pay a little more attention and ask a few more questions. The reflection that happened in our household led to fasting and prayer. It lead us to deeper desires and greater confidence in our biblical understandings.

It called us to attention.

This week, I had lunch with our ‘John the Baptist.’

At lunch, I realized that Andrew and I weren’t alone in our worries for our church. The Holy Spirit was moving for growth and change in our congregation. This was happening as a sign from God to pick up our cross.

The lesson I have learned from John the Baptist, both my friend and the historical figure is to be BOLD.

When God gives you questions, seek the answers.

When the Holy Spirit tells you to speak, speak boldly.

When Jesus’s love isn’t being shown, lead in example.

Galatians 6:1-2 tells us, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness; watch yourselves, lest you also be tempted.”

When something weighs on your heart, it’s time to pray. Conviction and change come from the most unexpected moments. We never know when God is going to call, but we need to be ready for that call and attentive to the meditations of our prayers and hearts. His leadership is never in question.

This world is constantly changing, and our churches are facing new challenges everyday.

Pray for your leadership.

Pray for your congregation.

… & more importantly, don’t be afraid to take up your cross.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

I pray you boldly take up your cross and live a life to fulfill your call. I pray that you courageously fight for the truth and love found in the Bible. I pray that you find strength in God to fight the battles of today.

God’s Love and Mine,

Christina