John‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.””

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

John the Baptist was questioned by the religious leaders. They asked many questions because they wanted to know if John was claiming to be the Christ.

This means that the religious leaders knew very well about the coming of the Saviour and the preparation for His coming. About someone in the wilderness who will proclaim to make a way for the Lord.

Religious people cannot see the truth.

What is religious? Religious people that God is against here are leaders who put a big show of their spirituality, focus on observing rituals, and festivals, showing people how holy and right they are by doing those things.

While they were busy doing and observing their sacred ceremonies, they crucified Jesus Christ the One whom they were waiting for.

Religious spirits will bring burdens on people, and punishment and will separate people from the truth of God’s love and grace.

We have to be careful not to observe rituals when the One whom the world is waiting for is living in our hearts.

It is no longer a worship building that we stand in awe of or no longer the ceremonies and festivals that go on that we pay attention to but Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God is Spirit and those who worship Him MUST worship in spirit and in truth. It is not an option, it is a command.

Religious spirit will get us to worship God through the rituals but we are to worship Jesus through His Spirit.

Let us take every effort and time to acknowledge the presence of our Living Saviour who is in us.

We are not called to be religious but called into His fellowship, to love Him, and to live in Him.

Blessings

Ps Ambrose