Rise Up
Like most people, I confess that sometimes I miss important words in the Bible. For example, in Matthew 11:11, Jesus says, “Among those born of women, none have risen greater than John the Baptist.” As often as I have read that passage of scripture, until recently, I had not seen the word “risen.” This is important because John was not born great. Jesus is telling us that John the Baptist rose to greatness.
Yes, I know that the circumstances of John’s birth were miraculous. However, that was not what made him great. John became great when he rose up and unashamedly preached the need for repentance. Pointing to Jesus he joyfully proclaimed that He was the Lamb of God. Then John rose up and fearlessly pointed out the sins of King Herod. After this, he relentlessly clung to the Kingdom of Heaven even as the axe separated his head from his body. No, he was not born great, but by his faith, John ascended to greatness.
Strangely enough, after Jesus honors the greatness of John, He then turns to you and me. He says, “He who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.” I believe that through these words, Jesus is issuing a challenge to all of us. This is the challenge. Godly men must rise up for the Glory of God. They must, by faith, cling to the kingdom of heaven.
Rise up
This time we live in is strange and terrifying. This world needs great men who will stand up for righteousness and the Kingdom of God. These men will not come from the entertainment or sports venues. Nor will they come from the pulpit or political world. The Holy Spirit is looking for ordinary men who will sink to their knees in prayer and rise to their feet and do battle with the enemy.
Ordinary men have a responsibility for the sake of our children and grandchildren. They must cling to the Kingdom of Heaven and, by faith, rise to greatness.
“You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ “Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish.
You shall seek them and not find them— Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ “Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you,” says the Lord And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
“Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; You shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, And make the hills like chaff. You shall winnow them, the wind shall carry them away, And the whirlwind shall scatter them; You shall rejoice in the Lord, And glory in the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 41:9-16 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.41.16.NKJV
Douglas & Deborah Huff
From Down Where the Pavement Ends
Email-douglas@pavementendsministry.com
My daughter Kate has written her first book. Follow her progress and help her get it published. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.kateoliviahuff.com
