Matthew 11:8
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. NCV: What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes live in kings’ palaces.
Jesus continues to pay tribute to John the Baptist. Jesus described what kind of a man John was. John was not a man who dressed up with soft raiment or clothing. He did not live in the kings’ houses to be lazy and be fed with fancy food and to take it easy. John was a man of discipline and self-denial even with foods.
In another scripture of Matthew 3:4 NCV: “John’s clothes were made from camel’s hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey.” John ate locusts? Yuck! Was that allowed? According to God’s law in Leviticus 11:22 KJV: “Even these of them ye [the prophet] may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.” Wow! God does allow that kind of eating for prophets who set themselves for God’s work.
In order to be a fine Spirit-filled Christian, it calls for a disciplined and self-denial life. Are you discipline to study God’s Word . . . in prayer life . . . in righteous living . . . bear forth spiritual foods? Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father we pray that we will listen to the Holy Spirit’s urges to help us keep in touch with You through prayers, through Your Words and helping others with their needs. Thank You for the story of John the Baptist that inspire us and give us a new enthusiasm to stay close to You in Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve Him, Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
[George Duffield & George James Webb]
