HYMN: Faithful Prophet, John the Baptist (with a GUEST POST)

I’ve posted before about my jealousy concerning John the Baptist, how he knew from the very beginning what his role in life would be. I don’t exactly covet his martyrdom, but even in that he has the knowledge that he will not have to go back into the fray. After all, beheading has a certain finality to it that merely being kicked out of a congregation doesn’t have. Be that as it may, John is an inspirational character and a shining example of faithfulness in the face of persecution and even death.

Pastor Sean Smith, my neighboring brother in the circuit in which we reside, posted something today concerning the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and it really touched me. He wrote:

On this the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist I think of how he is probably the Patron Saint of pastors who have been persecuted for their faithful proclamation of repentance and faith in Jesus and have been put in the prison of Candidate Status when they received a "severance package" from their congregations as they are forced out of their Calls.  

So perhaps you might remember this day by praying for all those pastors (more than you would probably imagine there are) who are unjustly persecuted for doing the work they were Called to do, in the line of the prophets of old. 

And for all my brother pastors on Candidate Status, or still bearing the wounds of their experience there (as I am), know that you are in my prayers for peace in the one whom John the Baptist, and you, have believed in and faithfully proclaimed and pointed to, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" So may we likewise, even in prison or in death by beheading (or firing by a congregation), live in repentance and faith in Jesus the Messiah who is coming...again!

His post, which touches awfully close to home, inspired me to write something of my own. Covering pretty much the whole life of St. John, this text speaks of John by praising God for his faithful work. Brothers who are in the Lutheran purgatory of Candidate Status, brothers who bear those scars, this one is dedicated to you, in honor of our “patron saint.”

As always, feedback is love.

Faithful Prophet John the Baptist

1. Faithful prophet, John the Baptist,

Preached to children gone astray.

Last of all the ancient prophets,

He was sent to make a way

For the great Messiah promised:

Jesus, holy Paschal Lamb.

O most holy God, we thank you

For this son of Abraham.

2. Faithful preacher, John, the patron

Of the Holy Ministry,

Modeled truth and light to pastors.

Faithful unto death was he.

May God grant that servant shepherds,

Called to those with itching ears,

Preach repentance to the wayward,

Bringing joy to him who hears.

3. Faithful witness, John, who pointed:

“Lo, the Lamb of God, the Christ!

He will win our sin’s forgiveness.

He will pay the sinner’s price.”

Grant that we may heed his message, 

True unto eternity:

Jesus is the world’s salvation;

Christ, the Light that sets us free.

4. Faithful steward, John, in washing

Sinners seeking to repent,

Pointing still to Christ who cleanses:

Holy flood, a sacrament.

Turn us, Lord, from earthly pleasures.

All our sinful lust subdue.

Bring us to Your holy altar

Where we find true joy in you.

∆ 5. Faithful prophet, John the Baptist:

Knowing he was to decrease,

Still went forth to preach forgiveness,

Guiding us to comfort, peace.

Faithful Father, Son, and Spirit,

Three in One and One in Three,

You we praise for faithful preachers

Now and to eternity.

8787D

Temporary Tune: O DU LIEBE MEINER LIEBE (LSB 423)

Occasion: Nativity of John the Baptist