The Burning and Shining Lamp
HE WAS THE BURNING AND SHINING LAMP [Jn.5:35]
Knowing the truth, practicing the truth and bearing witness to the truth are three related, though, different things. Leaving out any one of the three renders the equation of righteousness imbalanced. It was said of the prophet John that he bore witness to the truth—Jn.5:33.
This was the commentary of Christ on the life and ministry of the Baptist. In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, genuine servants of God devote themselves to the testimony of truth. No true prophets bear witness of themselves; the declaration of truth is uppermost in their commitment.
The confusion of many gained expression through the lips of Pilate when he disparagingly asked, What is truth?—Jn.18:38. Multitudes live without the awareness of the existence of truth. To the natural man, truth is merely the absence of error. While this may be correct in one sense, it remains riddled with imperfections when we consider truth in the moral and spiritual realms. There, error cannot be determined by one’s own conscience or opinion as these vary from person to person.
The word of God tells us what truth is. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life—Jn.5:11-12. This is the absolute and unchanging reality that John bore witness to [Lk.3:16].
The truth about the Son of God is the uncompromising standard for all people at all times. To be ignorant of this is to be entrenched in error. The necessity for all to come to the awareness of eternal truth explains the unbending resolve of God’s genuine representatives.
What about you? Have you come to the knowledge and reality of truth? Only those who come to the Lord Jesus and receive Him into their lives are in touch with absolute truth. Do not be left out! The overbearing burdens of religion, the arduous demands of legalism, and the untiring efforts of self-righteousness are nothing but subtle agents of further bondage. Come to the Lord Jesus! It is only thus that the shackles of iniquity that have kept you bound will be broken. The truth about Jesus Christ will burst your bonds of sorrow and liberate you from the fear of death and judgment. An encounter with the Lord Jesus in the knowledge of salvation is an eternity of peace begun [Jn.17:3]. None who trust in Him will be disappointed. Salvation full and free is found only in Jesus Christ apart from any organization or denominational code of conduct.
Do not linger in the drama of vain religion. Put not your trust in some church membership. Your Redeemer alone can save. Jesus saves! Jesus liberates! This has been the unanimous cry of God’s own prophets throughout the ages.
John is a typical example of genuine prophets. Though he did not bear witness of himself, the Lord bore witness of him. It is significant that the Lord commended John to the extent that He approvingly linked the man with the message he proclaimed. Christ spoke about John and said, He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a while to rejoice in his light—Jn.5:35
A lamp is a vessel containing the wick and the oil. There can be no shining without burning and certainly no burning without oil. Oil must saturate the wick, as the Spirit must fill the man. And that man, like the wick, will be consumed in the sending forth of light.
Oil is used throughout the Scriptures to picture the Holy Spirit. The whole idea of the anointing is absolutely connected with oil. No king, priest or prophet in the Old Testament was ever anointed without the oil. It was written of the Lord Jesus, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because the Lord has anointed Me— Isa.61:1.
John drew his inspiration from the Spirit of God. He burnt and shone to dispel darkness, expose all stumbling blocks, while emitting rays of guidance to lead the blind. And in the process the man himself becomes spent like the lamp’s wick.
The source of the light is not from the lamp. It must be derived apart from itself. John himself said, A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven—Jn.3:27.
God sent forth the fire in the tabernacle [Lev.9:24], in the temple [2Chr.7:1], on mount Carmel [1Kgs.18:38] and on the day of Pentecost [Acts.2:3]. No other fire is acceptable except that which comes down from above if one is to work the works of God. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen—Rm.11:36.
Fire signals the approval of God and represents a motivation that is fuelled by the Lord Himself. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith— 1Tim.1:5. Strange fires correspond to human imitations of that which is divine. Typically they appear genuine to human perception, but in reality are not of the Lord!
Beloved reader, what is motivating you in ministry? What is the springboard from which your involvement in Christian service was launched? Are you being fuelled by the oil of God’s Spirit? Is Jehovah’s fire of approval burning in your life? If the applause of men or gain for self are the factors catalyzing your participation in ministry, you can be sure that you are animated with strange fire.
It is an abomination to engage yourself in the service of Christ because you are naturally eloquent and capable of influencing others by your dazzling personality; these are all strange fires. And should you proceed any further in the battlefield, Satan’s javelin summoned from the abyss will surely bring you down. “Prophets” who embark on the sacred discharge of ministry with fire from a different source, are calling for the wrath and judgment of the Lord to descend upon themselves [Lev.10:1-2].
John was wholly other than this. The passion for God flamed with an ever-ascending fervency in his personal devotion. He was spiritually alive and his communion with God was intimately vibrant.
The Baptist came bearing witness to the truth and uttering burning words of life. The potency with which the force of truth pealed from his lips caused a stir among the people. They rejoiced in his pronouncements, thinking to gain deliverance from the rule of imperial Rome.
But what were they really attracted to? Jesus asked, What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? A man clothed in soft garments? What did you go out to see?—Mtt.11:7-9.
The Lord exposes the life of John for public scrutiny. So genuine was the Baptist that the Son of God could display him for cross-examination. Christ’s intent was to draw the attention of the people to what true prophetic ministry entails while revealing the shallowness of their own interests.
This was to inspire the people to soberly reflect on the stark contrast between their religious overlords and the lone voice crying in the wilderness. What indeed were they seeking? Was it hoping to meet those who wear soft clothing [and] are in king’s houses? But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet—Mtt.11:8-9. But what effect did the message of the Baptist actually have upon the curious multitudes?
The implications could not be mistaken by any who stood by. If they were expecting to encounter the soft and luxurious, they were to be sorely disappointed. Ease of life is the antithesis to true prophetic ministry [Am.6:1]. Every Jew in attendance would unmistakably conclude that the affluent lifestyles of their religious leaders were incongruous with being sent by God as was John. They would also have their own expectations of comfort and political deliverance shattered.
Thus the flames of their enthusiasm died down when they discovered him to be the herald of a different order. This is typical of men. We are quick to rejoice in an outburst of revival, thinking that this will be an escape route from the problems of daily life. But once our expectations of deliverance from earthly troubles are dashed, our enthusiasm soon wanes and vanishes.
Beloved, well might you be asked, “What did you go out to see?” You have been in the campgrounds, you visit the annual conventions, but what did you go out to see? Do you truly encounter prophets in these yearly retreats? Are you not disappointed that a squadron of well-dressed smooth talking preachers assault your ears with unfulfilled “prophecies” and promises while doing nothing to meet the deep spiritual longings of your heart?
But shall we really blame such religious imposters found in our generation? Yes! We must, and justifiably so. But we must search our own hearts as well. Why have you been rallying around the various conferences and seminars? Is it truly in pursuit of genuine prophetic teachings or is it a covetous longing after the false breakthroughs promised year after year? The blame falls on fraudulent ministers and their congregations alike.
None who rejoiced in the light of the prophet at the banks of the Jordan were willing to do so while the prophet was clapped in the manacles of Herod. This same effervescence was true with respect to the Christ of God. Multitudes sang His praises as shouts of hosannas interrupted the complacency of Palestine’s religious dullness. The true test for the people, however, came when the Lord was to be crucified. They who had sang “Hosanna” now filled the city with cries of “Crucify Him!” “Away with Him!” Herod’s hands were stained “only” with the blood of the Baptist; theirs with that of the Son of God Himself.
If the multitude’s expectations were spiritual and truly repentant, they would have rejoiced unendingly and not momentarily. But that was not the case of Jordan’s throng or of Calvary’s hardened and insensitive spectators.
All genuine prophets will find this to be true. The temptation lies in toning down our message and telling the people what they want to hear so we can worm our way into their hearts. Neither the Lord Jesus nor John did so.
Both radiated the glory of the Lord Almighty with consuming brilliance till they were spent. They valiantly bore witness to the truth, until they had completed their heavenly ordained task.
Let us follow after such examples. Godly wisdom dictates that you desist from enticements to dilute your sacred message for the despicable shekels of human favor. The acclamations and commendations of men are a snare that provokes the displeasure of heaven [Lk.6:26, Mtt.6:1].
Oh! How many there are today who once emerged with the seal of God’s approval commissioning their ministry but since have abandoned their high calling! They burned fervently for the Lord, inspired many unto sanctification and subdued the camps of wickedness through their fiery words. Many of such bravely evaded the arrows of greed, lewdness, and fear. They fought valiantly at the inception of their ministries like true soldiers, until handshakes of human plaudits were proffered. Oh! How are the mighty fallen! How is it that they who once, lion-like, fought the good fight of faith, now speak with the traitorous tongues of deception!
Dear reader, let these be an example to you! Many who have been able to resist the bold assaults of Satan are laid prostrate before the subtlety of his “friendly advances.” The enemy who goes about like a roaring lion knows how to change into his deceptive serpentine posture when it suits his purposes!
John was filled with the Spirit and approved of the Lord, yet he did not establish his ministry in the urban metropolis of Jerusalem. Apart from city life and without employing the carnal stimulants of modern methods, he spoke his message and all Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him—Mtt.3:5.
Untainted by Jerusalem’s enfeebling comforts, John, the true prophet, lived in desert wilds. Clad in garments of camel’s hair, unpolished by social standards and in all respects physically crude, he lived as a Spartan. His life was the practical example of his message. Luxury had no place in his heart. His very appearance rebuked the delusion of imagining that purity is obtainable by a ceremonial sanctity.
True servants of God are not exempted from the adversities of life that are common to all men. Instead, in the face of unfavorable conditions, they remain faithful to their calling. John was not a reed blown about by the ill winds of earthly misfortunes. No stormy tempests of life, irrespective of their assailing vehemence, could shake the Baptist from his convictions.
John never wavered though his stance and attitude inevitably provoked the anger of the godless. The light of such testimony persists as an abiding monument of rebuke that stands against the wickedness of men to all generations. It is written that from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force—Mtt.11:12.
This violence against the kingdom of heaven continues from the days of John throughout the ages of the church, and up until today. In a maddened rage, men will attempt not only to discredit, but also to eliminate all who choose to live for the glory of God in order to prevent the spread of God’s kingdom.
Mtt.21:33-40 is an alarming illustration of man’s determined hatred for the King of heaven and His subjects on earth. There we see that all true servants of God who came before the Lord Jesus were persecuted. Those who violently seized His inheritance by wicked hands maliciously murdered the Son of God Himself. The apostle Paul reiterates the continuity of this persistent persecution when he said, As he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now [Gal.4:29].
The Lord Jesus has told us to expect such violence against His true followers [Mtt.24:9]. But He also encouraged us, that in spite of the outburst of devilish rage against the spread of the kingdom of heaven, the gates of hell will never prevail against the church that He builds [Mtt.16:18].
Valiant and uncompromising fidelity to the testimony of God’s word is not without its difficulties and privations. Nevertheless, the fact remains that God’s work done in God’s way will enjoy God’s support. The true gospel worker will never be left uncared for.
John was sustained with the simplest fare. Without fear or worry, his needs were supernaturally catered for. The God who sent him ensured his daily provisions. John experienced the sure promise of God’s inspired word: Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you—Mtt.6:33. The psalmist said, I have been young and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread—Ps.37:25.
The basic necessities of life will faithfully be supplied. The Lord Jesus re-affirmed this when He said, Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”—Mtt.6:30-31.
Despite the certainty of heaven’s supply, men in their unbelief have devised means of gain by perverting the word of truth. Such imposter preachers suppose that godliness is a means of gain—1Tim.6:10. It is beyond the comprehension of their polluted minds that the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit—Rm.14:17.
With shameless boldness, They will exploit you with deceptive words—2Pt.2:3. For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus—Phil.2:21. The apostle Paul, lamenting the proliferation of such false ministers, warned that, Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things—Phil.3:18-19.
Because they run a course contrary to Christ’s, even though doing it in His name, the Bible admonishes us, For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness. Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever—Jude.4,11-13.
True men of God, like John, are driven by a unique sense of profound purpose. The overwhelming joy of fulfilling God’s will led the Baptist to subject himself to strict discipline of body in pursuit of spiritual usefulness. The apostle Paul, for the same reason, did likewise. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified—1Cor.9:27.
All genuine believers will follow suit. The service of heaven demands sobriety in its representatives. Their time, desires and entire lives are to be consecrated into the service of the Lord. No quarter is to be allotted for self in their aspirations, reflections or motivations.
Such true Christians will join with Paul in declaring, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me—Gal.2:20. John himself announced, He must increase but I must decrease— Jn.3:30.
Such utter abandonment to the glory of the Lord alone, will assuredly elicit contempt from the devotionless masses. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”—Mtt.11:18.
This should come as no surprise, however. Such denigrating remarks were equally applied to the Lord Jesus Himself. The Son of God was referred to by them as a glutton and winebibber [Mtt.11:19], a Samaritan [Jn.8:48], demon [Jn.7:20], deceiver [Jn.7:12], and insane [Mk.3:21].
And if they call the Head of the household Beelzebub, how much more the members? [Mtt.10:25]. Christ Himself said that the servant is not greater than his Lord; “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” This is because darkness is always reproved by the Light and so they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you—1Pt.4:4.
The Son of God declares woes on self-appointed servants who presume to speak for heaven while being the objects of men’s praise [Lk.6:26]. It demonstrates that they are preachers of a different gospel whose smooth and flattering speech deceives the hearts of the unsuspecting [Rm.16:18].
Our calling is to stand upright in the midst of a world with an upside down mentality without regard for any of the strange and alluring offers of this age. The years of our life here on earth are to demonstrate that we love the Lord Jesus and cherish His fullness far above any worldly recognition or mundane concerns.
May it be so with you, dear reader, as you reflect on the testimony of this burning and shining lamp.
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