Matthew 3

Matthew 3:1 "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea..."

DC Talk, a Christian alternative band, has become quite committed to voicing stories about people they call "Jesus Freaks." I have heard several spots on the radio as one of the members will tell the story of a martyr or missionary living in extreme situations in order to proclaim the gospel.

Scripture could not portray a greater dichotomy from chapter 2 of Matthew to chapter 3. Chapter 2, as yesterday's thought pointed out, centered on the natural man's reaction and rejection to Jesus Christ. Chapter 3 begins afresh with someone wholly different, wholly committed to the call of Christ and the expansion of His kingdom and gospel. John the Baptist is described by Scriptures as one of the original Jesus freaks.

Consider the extreme difference between Herod and John. Herod has sought his own kingdom. John would herald Another's. Herod met in secret. John preached to anyone who would listen. Herod was deceptive seeking to thwart a perceived threat. John spoke openly and candidly calling everyone in truth to repentance. Herod fought against Christ. John submitted to His authority and high position. Herod would die lonely more than likely of a chronic kidney disease, complicated by a particularly nasty case of gangrene. John would be Christ's first martyr.

The God of Scripture is ingenious; to portray these two lives back to back, to demonstrate someone totally abandoned to himself and its consequences, then to couple it with a life wholly devoted to Another. Both men died; one lost his life, the other gave his.

Christ, as Lord, is a scary thought. We see the consequences of those who give their all to Him and His commission. These Jesus freaks remind us though of an eternal question, "What really matters... in the end?" That we made lots of money? That our kids are better off than us? That we were able to retire comfortably? What does that do for Christ and His gospel? John the Baptist had very little, but I can guarantee he enjoyed and lived life more fully than Herod ever could have.

In Matthew 16:25 Christ would utter these words, "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Maybe you resolved this year to lose some weight, can I challenge you lose your life? Not to physically die, but to lay aside personal non-biblical aspirations and truly live for Him who matters most. May we be people who are willing to go wherever, say whatever, live off whatever, all for the purpose of dying to ourselves and living for Him.