Matthew 11:9-10
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,
“ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
Samuel Adams, the American revolutionary, was known as The Last Puritan and he lamented the moral decay in the new nation he helped establish. Now there is a beer named after him! He knew the Bible but those after him did not. John the Baptist was declared a prophet by Jesus himself. He was the last of the Old Covenant prophets. Jesus quoted Malachi in predicting the arrival of the Messiah after this last prophet. The people were really there to see the strange man in strange clothes, saying strange things about repentance. It sounds like a lot of churchgoers today. If they hear a preacher talk about repentance, they may not know what the word even means, much less what it means to their lives.
We need more Samual Adams’ in America today. He was labeled a firebrand in his pursuit of liberty for America. We also need more firebrands that are willing to leave their mark on society by speaking out on the moral decay we see today. The Roman Empire collapsed due in large part to their descent into barbarism, killing Christians in the arena for the enjoyment of spectators. What do people go out to church to see? Entertainment? Affirmation? May they see their need for a Savior and repent, turning around to see the Lord Jesus Christ.
O Heavenly Father, we have strayed far from your word. Yet you send messengers to prepare the way for the Lord to change our lives. We pray for them in Jesus’ name. Amen.