I think John the Baptist is a Hero of the Faith. Sure, he’s not mentioned by name in the great Hall of Faith recorded in Hebrews 11, but I find him in verse 37: “Some of these faith champions were imprisoned . . . brutally . . . slaughtered by the sword.” But John came out of the wilderness having heard the voice of God. He knew his role was just to prepare the way ahead of the Anointed One and to introduce him (the Messiah). He refused all prestigious titles. He was given the sign he was to look for to recognize the Messiah. He was quick to admit he wasn’t expecting it to be Jesus, indeed, didn’t know at first when he saw him, but when he saw the dove come down and rest on him, he was convinced. Afterward, he spoke of his confidence in Jesus to every group who would listen, and all before Jesus’ public ministry had gained ground or notoriety.
Maybe the most precious thing about John is his humanity. While he was in prison, unable to see for himself how things were shaping up on the outside, doubts began to eat at him, making him wonder if, after all, he had been mistaken about Jesus. When a couple of his disciples came to visit him, he asked them to go to Jesus and ask him directly. Jesus’ eloquent, wordless response was a power demonstration. (Luke 7:18-23) I can picture the immense joy that flooded John’s soul upon receiving his disciples’ account of Jesus’ answer. That was all he needed to hear. He was a man who could now face his death in peace.
In every generation there are faith champions. Some are very public, with high name recognition but I think the vast majority are the unsung, the no names, the quiet, non-dramatic saints living their lives, constantly learning what it means to be an ambassador of reconciliation for Jesus in their small context. I’m sure we all, if we took the time, could make a list of a couple dozen or more whose lives have impacted us in a faith-building, heart-strengthening, way. It’s entirely possible, highly likely even, that each of us has impacted others in a similar way.
The world doesn’t need another wild-looking John the Baptist with his ‘turn or burn’ messages or another Apostle Paul to communicate, in writing, the details of Salvation to fledgling churches. They’ve accomplished the purpose for which God sent them. But the world does still desperately need many journeyers to the Father’s heart. That’s what we’re called to be. God simply takes our ‘Yes’ and sows His Shalom in our wake for all those who come behind. And that, in my humble opinion, makes us Heros of 21st Century Faith, y’all. PD
