"The Why"

 "And then they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that Prophet? And he answered, No." (John 1:21 KJV)

  "Moses continued, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you yourselves requested of the LORD your God when you were assembled at Mount Sinai. You said, 'Don't let us hear the voice of the LORD our God anymore or see this blazing fire, for we will die.'" (Deuteronomy 18:15-16 NLT)

  Concerning John's ministry, Moses and John the Baptist had one very similar characteristic in common: meekness! Please do not confuse meekness with weakness, because the only thing that they have in common is the ness, which is just the part that makes it a thing. If you were to look up the definition of meek, the first thing that pops up, is, "enduring injury with patience and without resentment." In my opinion, that takes amazing restraint and strength! 

  So, what is up with this issue the children of Israel had with God's voice and Holy Fire? If you have some time, the Book of Hebrews will shine a little light on that subject; but for now, I would like to try and see what is behind the heart's of these Pharisees, and why they press so hard to get an answer. There are three specific things that Matthew Henry brings to the table: "To satisfy their curiosity," or, "To show their authority," or, "To suppress him and silence him." 

  Personally, I think it is a little bit of all three, but motivated by one spectacular four letter word: "Envy." Something that is thicker that both blood or water, because it is motivated by the flesh; that which is the thing we protect and guard from change, because change brings alteration; which, if you are looking for any sort of excuse to avoid direct contact with God, being altered is at the top of the list! 

  Basically, that is the whole point of the matter. We don't like change; whether you are at the top or the bottom, if you are comfortable in your way of life, you do not want that comfort messed with. The real motivation is that they saw a threat to their way of life! Now, imagine what it looks like to be meek in that type of situation; how is change going to work in your life...

"He hath shown his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endures for ever." (Psalms 111:6-10 KJV)