A Minister Who Knew His Message.
John the Baptist would not have suited some of our theologians of the present time, those who think it quite commendable in ministers to suggest doubts, who feel that it will not do for the minister to be dogmatic. He must even question his own position regarding the great pillars of faith and of vital lines along which truth flows. Not so was it with John the Baptist. The Jews themselves—the scribes and the Pharisees and the Sadducees—had built up their own systems of tradition and higher criticism, and must consult the fathers to know the truth. They wondered who that prophet was, preaching out in the wilderness, who so mightily stirred the people; but instead of themselves going, they sent a committee to interview him. They asked him, “Who art thou?” He replied, “I am not the Christ.” They said, “Art thou Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Art thou the prophet?” they again asked him, and he answered “No.” Then said they, “Who art thou?”—We are not particularly interested ourselves, but we must give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? And his answer clearly shows that he knew his mission and knew his message,—“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet.” See John 1:19-23. For seven centuries, nearly, the prophet’s words had been unfulfilled. The time came to make them a living message to the world, and God chose John the Baptist for that purpose. For almost three times that number of centuries other prophecies have lain seemingly dormant in God’s word. The time has come for them to be given to the world, and God is choosing men who know their mission and who know their message. So, are you heeding it?