Recently, a friend at a bible study I attend announced to the group that "sighing" was a sign of discontent. Ever since he said that, I can't sigh without asking God to forgive me. Now, while that might sound a bit harsh to some, and maybe it does go too far, it's still a good reminder of the need for us to be so God-minded that we are constantly keeping our every thought in check. Actually, this is not a new thought; I do know that. It's called "sanctification". And the friend is just part of the "iron sharpening iron" beauty of community around the Word of God.
And on a more intense note, I realize more and more that the beauty of holiness is not a nice neat little package in this world. And while studying the book of Mark, John MacArthur brings out such amazing details about God's Word that excites me and brings me so much closer to understanding how far I am from truly understanding! More sanctification.
As I studied about the greatest man last week in a chapter in MacArthur's commentary called, "The Murder of the Greatest Prophet", I gained new insight to sighing. Think about John the Baptist. His whole life was purposed for one great work: preparing the way for Jesus. He "lived his entire life in the open expanses of the Judean wilderness, and ended his days in the isolation of an intolerable dungeon. The fortress was on a high hilltop, offering dramatic views of the country...however, deep in the earth below, the dank dungeon offered no natural light or fresh air." For about a year, John stayed here. What was he to think? Is this it? Have I missed something? "His only respite were the visits he received from his disciples. (Luke 7:18)"
"He was a faithful prophet of God and fearless in his willingness to confront sin. His responses to Herod were characterized by holy boldness, born out of the conviction to speak for God rather than please men." And here he sits his last days in a stinking dungeon. Yet, we are encouraged by Jesus declaration: "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist!" (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28)
I need reminders like this of the reality of Christian living: what it is and what it is not. I want to get this right. In order to do that, I "study to show myself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." It is the Truth and I am responsible to know it.
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