Due to continued issues with our audio recorder, there will not be an audio version of today's sermon available at our Podbean site. Instead, I wish to offer the following summary.
Lectionary Cycle A
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-7
Psalmody: Psalm 40
New Testament Reading: Acts 13: 38-49
Gospel Reading: John 1: 29-41
In our Gospel Reading today, John the Baptist begins the process of 'decreasing' that Christ may increase as he points his followers to the Lamb of God. John was not willing to allow the allure of success to draw people to him; that was not his mission. He was, by all appearances, a holy prophet - and God used those appearances to full effect, that his Son might be manifest. Instead, of developing a following for himself, John used his persuasion to direct people to Jesus.
The same story holds true for Paul and Barnabas... they are preaching in the Synagogue at Antioch and could easily have become the superstars and the focal point of the religious faith in that community, but they constantly pointed the way to Christ. Even Isaiah was unwilling to become the focus of popular piety - all his preaching and teaching among the Israelites points the way to repentance and renewal in Jesus Christ.
Today, nearly two-thousand years later, the Church, though wounded at times, and though her faith has been misused by others at times, remains as a beacon of hope for the world. No minister of the Church may EVER take upon himself the role of Savior and Messiah. John refused to do so, even when repeatedly quizzed about it. The accolades that come with such an acclamation are amazing to behold... but no mere human being, not even one with the faith, power, and incisiveness of John the Baptist can bring us salvation. No, it is only Jesus Christ who can do that... and to him alone are we to give that kind of honor and glory.
It is sad to see believers today being swept away with false gospels that are proclaimed by charismatic men and women... individuals who become the focal point of people's faith (sometimes on purpose, and sometimes without intent)... often to the point of forgetting that it is Christ and not the preacher who holds the key to a deeper life lived in faith, hope and love.
So, brothers and sisters, consider this as you see your pastor, the shepherds of the Church, carry out their ministry - but do not make the mistake of believing that this warning frees us from an obligation to respect and listen to those who lead the Church. Christ himself set apart the apostles (who in turn set apart successors) with the command to preach to Gospel and to announce the forgiveness of sins to the people. Humility must be the hallmark of all who preach the Word... and by such fruits shall you know those who have been set apart by God.
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