THE KING IS DEAD! -- Devotional for June 25, from "Good Seeds"

But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? No, for such are seen only in Kings’ palaces? But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, and much more, for he was the one of whom it was written, “Behold, I send my messenger who will prepare the way before you.” Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. (Matthew 11:8-9)

In this passage Jesus gives tribute to the one who was, in His own words, “the greatest man ever born of woman.” John had not yet passed from this life, but his death was imminent. How thoughtful, then, of Jesus to say such kind words of His friend while he was still alive, so that while languishing in prison he could hear and be encouraged by them. It is in the crucible of testing such as John was enduring at this moment where even the strongest of believers, and bravest of preachers, can begin to have doubts about even the most basic of truths: “Please, go to Him and ask, ‘Are you the promised One, or shall we keep looking?’” (verse 3). Is this the same man who earlier had boldly announced to the world, “See before you the Lamb of God who has come to take away the sin of the world. He comes after me, yet He existed before me. You must believe me when I tell you: He is the Son of God!” (John 1:29,30,34). Jesus valued John for his fearless preaching regarding the identity of Christ and the repentance due Him in order to enter the kingdom of God. And is this the same man who said, “The thong of His sandal I am not worthy to untie. He must become greater; I must become less” (John 1:27; 3:30). Jesus valued John, too, for his genuine humility. The character and accomplishments of John the Baptist prove to us that a man can be an audacious witness for Christ and a humble servant of Christ at one and the same time. Today the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, died, suddenly and mysteriously, at the relatively young age of fifty. The news sources are totally dominated by and bogged down with reports and tributes to this international icon of modern culture. Many attributed to him the status of a god – but now their god is dead! He is credited to be the greatest entertainer of the past several decades, maybe of all time, as well as the one who inspired many in their own musical careers. The world today honors its fallen hero. But what would Jesus say about him? Probably not all that much, for His eyes are “upon the faithful of the land” (Psalm 101:6). His search continues for “men who will build up the wall and stand in the gap for Him” (Ezekiel 22:30) – not kings of culture, but slaves of Christ. it was a man like John the Baptist, both humble and noble, beyond words. Will you be such a man? Will I?