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A TRIBUTE TO JOHN Matthew 11: 1-19 When asked about John the Baptist, Jesus gave this tribute: "What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken in the wind?… A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in King's houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare the way before thee." Matthew 11:7-10 Recently, I ran across a small article in the newspaper. It was a picture of an ordained minister, who was also a clown—a member of the "Holy Fools." Their purpose is to try to communicate the Christian message through laughter. The article had a picture him dressed in full "clown" costume, delivering his sermon, while balancing on a rope. Wow! Does this surprise you? 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 tells us, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts heap to themselves teachers having itching ears: And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Praise God! John the Baptist did not put on a show. He gave the pure, unadulterated Word of God—no compromise! The true word will call you out of sin, changing your heart and life completely. Here was a man who gave all the glory to Jesus Christ, coming to bear witness of the Light. No thought for himself, but all for his God, that all men might believe and come to a saving relationship. In this, no longer will you have your own ideas about God; His glory will be your all in all. This was John—his whole life was given over to the full rule and reign of Almighty God. Every part of him was poured out, proclaiming the awesome truth of the way to eternal life. He always lifted up Jesus—Lord of lords and King of kings. Praise to the Holy One—this life of TRUE HOLINESS is available to you and me! This, too, shall come to pass, when we come to Jesus confessing our sin and crying out to Him. We will be washed in His blood—forsaking the world and all of its "goofy" trappings. Jesus says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." It is the Lord who calls us to righteousness—He opens our eyes that are blind, He sets the prisoners free, and He turns our darkness into light, redeeming us for Himself. Alleluia! Let us sing! Sing to the Lord a new song—His praise from the ends of the earth! He gave His life for you and me, and He's calling us to come unto Him and surrender all—everything of the flesh we hold onto. It could be emotions, even circumstances—all of who we are, and be miraculously changed into His glorious image! "O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His wondrous works. Glory ye in His Holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord, seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore." Psalm 105: 1-4 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus, ~ Judy Hollobaugh
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