Prepare: Positioned for God's PurposesSýnishorn

There’s much about John the Baptist’s life we don’t know, but one thing is clear: his message. His bold proclamation of repentance and truth led directly to his imprisonment. Matthew 14:3-4 tells us Herod jailed John because of his unwavering stand against sin. At the heart of John’s life and ministry was his calling to proclaim—let’s reflect on how this defining characteristic can take root and flourish in our own lives.

Do you boldly proclaim the Lordship of Jesus?

Today’s Western church often shies away from tension, mutilating the Gospel in deference to cultural values. Consider how sermons often omit the realities of sin, wrath, and judgment. Without these truths, how can we truly grasp the wonder and urgency of grace? Romans 11:22 calls us to behold God’s kindness and severity. Neglecting either robs the Gospel of its power. If sin is inconsequential and judgment unlikely, why place one’s faith in Christ? A Gospel reshaped by the spirit of the age is no Gospel at all.

Charles Spurgeon likened the Gospel to a lion. “The best defense for the Gospel is to let the lion out,” he said, “for he would take care of himself.” Too often, we cage the lion—defending, qualifying, and sanding off the Gospel’s rough edges. But Scripture doesn’t need taming; it needs proclaiming.

John didn’t wait for ideal conditions or approval. He lived fully positioned for God’s purposes, boldly proclaiming in both word and deed. His life reminds us that proclaiming often begins with our words but doesn’t stop there—it demands consistency in every area of life. John’s sharp and unflinching message called sin what it was and declared the coming hope of Christ. His example reflects the light Jesus calls us to be in Matthew 5:13-16—standing firm under pressure, refusing compromise, and walking in sacrificial love.

God is searching for those who will faithfully proclaim—whatever the cost. Let the lion out in your world. Will you step into God’s mission with boldness and unwavering faith?

REFLECTION:
When have you been tempted to “tame” the Gospel message? What would it look like to let the “lion” out instead?