Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
(ESV)
—Luke 7:24-28
by: Steve Osborn.
Are health and wealth an indicator of the level of our faith? Unfortunately, there are Christians who teach this false doctrine and others who gobble it up, making these false teachers rich in the process. Jesus indicated that if people had expected to find John the Baptist living a life of luxury, they would have been sorely disappointed because John’s focus was not on the things of this world but on communicating the true message God had sent through him. There is wisdom in not becoming too dependent on the things this world can offer. Doing so may cause us to compromise our message.