| A SMALL COMPARISON – A GIANT DIFFERENCE
By Paul Burwell |
April 26, 2010
Having just finished reading an excellent book about John the Baptist written in the 1800s, I thought it would be interesting to compare his person and ministry with a popular pastor of today’s time.
Jesus spoke about his cousin John in Luke 7:28, “I tell you, among those born of women, there is no one greater than John, yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (New International Version)
John’s calling was to announce the arrival of the kingdom of heaven here on earth. His message was simple: “Repent (alter your ways) for the kingdom of heaven is here.” This message caused hundreds of thousands — if not millions — to turn from their selfish, sinful ways, thus preparing them to meet Jesus Christ who would take their repentance and cleansing further by baptizing them with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Now Jesus himself said that the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven would be greater than John. Anyone today who believes a calling of that magnitude to be on their life should at least be preaching that same repentance and kingdom message. Jesus was in agreement with John’s preaching and so continued with his cousin’s message (Matthew 4:17).
We don’t hear much of EITHER message announced today, especially the repentance half. I believe this is largely because pastors and preachers are fearful of it negatively affecting their offerings.
Please examine the comparisons below between John and today’s popular modern pastor:
1.) John the Baptist grew and developed in obscurity. Modern-Day Pastor was semi-hidden for a time.
2.) John the Baptist ate locusts and wild honey. Modern-Day Pastor dines on the finest cuisines.
3.) John the Baptist likely had brown teeth (locust juice stains?). Modern-Day Pastor has sparkling teeth.
4.) John the Baptist lived in the wilderness. Modern-Day Pastor recently moved into a palatial estate in a posh neighborhood where a portion of the annual homeowner fees go toward keeping John the Baptist types out of the neighborhood.
5.) John the Baptist never had mass media, a traveling band, promoters, and products for sale, books, royalties, and name on a super-expensive shrine, and only spent one night in Herod’s palace. Modern-Day Pastor is afforded all the helps and perks John never had and more.
6.) John the Baptist said “I must decrease.” Modern-Day Pastor promotes himself constantly.
7.) John the Baptist attended a huge, formal governmental ball with many dignitaries present where he stated simply to the top leader and in front of all present, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Shortly after making this announcement, John the Baptist was rewarded with decapitation. Modern-Day Pastor attended a large governmental inauguration with many government officials and mass media coverage where he thanked God for raising the new, self-proclaimed lesbian mayor of the fourth largest U.S. city to her position, thereby blessing her in front of the city, nation, and world. Shortly after, he received a lucrative real estate offer to benefit the family business, pushed primarily by the new mayor.
Decide for yourself:
Are they announcing the same message?
Are they announcing the same Kingdom?
Are they both representing Jehovah God?
Maybe John misunderstood…
“For we are not, like so many, [like hucksters making a trade of] peddling God’s Word [shortchanging and adulterating the divine message]; but like [men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commissioned and sent] by God, we speak [His message] in Christ (the Messiah), in the [very] sight and presence of God.” 2 Corinthians 2:17 (Amplified)
You may contact Paul at makestraightpaths@gmail.com for comments or questions.
(This article is reprinted with permission and was received through the email list of a homeless ministry in South Texas, not far from the headquarters of Modern Day Pastor. 😉 www.streetscapeministries.com )
8thDay4Life 
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