John 1:24-25 Ordained To Baptize
Religious leaders sent messengers from the holy city of Jerusalem because they wanted to learn who is this man who is a voice in the wilderness. John the Baptist, deny being Christ the Messiah and denied being Elijah or a prophet, then they ask why or who gives you the right to baptize? Most Christians churches require that pastors be ordained to baptize. That means a pastor must agree with that church denomination doctrine, educated by the seminary so that a pastor can represent that church very well. So the religious leaders were asking John, who are you and why are you baptizing, we have never seen you in Jerusalem, we do not know if you receive any formal education, and we have never ever seen you preach in the holy temple or any synagogue, whatsoever.
The reason the religious leaders did not know who John the Baptist was, they did not see the spirit of God using him like those who ask to be baptized by him. John the Baptist was full of the Holy Spirit, his desire was to lead many to Christ. He did not feel worthy to do it, but he did it anyway because he loved God. The religious leaders felt like they earn the right to teach and preach, they spend years on education, they wore priestly garments, they felt godly when they were not. The baptism John did, was only a sign, between those who wanted to repent, show the world and God they wanted a new life. Often it is hard to surrender yourself when a person is led by the spirit for a new life. They will see someone like John and say, show me the way, to a new life. John says repent and be baptized, you agree to do such, John dunk them under the water, lift them up, and says today is your spiritual birthday.
John the Baptist, baptize because he was ordained by the love of God’s spirit to do so, it was not because he earned that right. He did not need permission from the religious leaders or a church. He did, what he was born to do like we are meant to do, worship God, love others, and share the gospel message. The kingdom of heaven is near, do you feel ordained to share the message of love? I am struggling, to support my ministry, I feel and hope I am doing God’s work. I do not feel worthy myself, but I hope and feel I am doing the right thing. God bless you all, the Lord loves you and so do I. His bondservant, Samuel H.
