August 4, 2020 -- John 5:35-36b -- White hot service all for Jesus

He [John the Baptist] was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John.

John 5:35-36a English Standard Version

Who is it that “makes your liver quiver”? Perhaps you are a fan of David Platt and his sermons. Maybe you like the dynamism of Paul Washer and the way you leave his preaching, worn out and convicted. Voddie Baucham, from whom I draw the expression “makes your liver quiver” might be the mellifluous preacher of your choice. It is so easy to chase after this preacher or that speaker or want to drink in all the teachings of another missionary-evangelist. Note carefully the compliment Jesus gave concerning His cousin John and the qualifier.

Jesus acknowledged the powerful preaching of John the Baptist. What a great description: a burning and shining lamp. He was white hot and bright in his preaching. People flocked to him. They traveled a great distance to bask in his light. Remember well, the earlier teaching of the Gospel of John. John the Baptist, when Jesus was gaining popularity, greater than his own, rejoiced and said: “He must increase, I must decrease.” It was for this reason Jesus affirmed the work of John. John the Baptist knew his work was to point people to Jesus Christ.

The qualifier Jesus gave is the testimony I have is great than that of John. Fickle as we are, too often we just want a preacher to tickle our ears and make us tingle for a while. We are all about the experience. John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus. John the Baptist pointed people to the one who is greater, in Whom there is forgiveness—remember he declared: “Look, [there is Jesus] the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). John the Baptist declared he rejoiced to hear the Bridegroom’s voice, that is, Jesus’s voice.

The testimony of Jesus is greater because He is the Only One in Whom there is forgiveness of sins.

The testimony of Jesus is greater because He is the Only One Who reveals the Father perfectly.

The testimony of Jesus is greater because He is Only Way, Truth and Life—no one can reach the One True God without Him.

The testimony of Jesus is greater than all because the Father sent Him, the Spirit bears continual witness to Him and the Bible speaks of Him alone as the Interpreter of Who God Is.

If the preacher, teacher, leader, evangelist, speaker or missionary you are listening to does not leave you with a greater love for Jesus and a deeper desire to follow Him—then run. Go find a real burning and shining lamp—one whose only desire is to make Jesus known.

Blessed Jesus, as You taught "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” help us to live, grow, learn that glorious truth and invite others into relationship with You. Blessed Jesus, thank You that You bring us into relationship with our Father in heaven. Blessed Jesus, thank You for the Spirit poured out Who leads us into greater understanding of the Bible and deeper, fervent, shining love for You. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhhYIZJj6rk