John the Baptist, like all true evangelists, called people to repent of their sins before God's Saviour came (Isaiah 22:12).  And Jesus continued with that message (Luke 5:32).  John preached about repentance to religious people, civil servants, and the military police (Luke 3:7-14).  And he was not afraid of rebuking the king.  John also wanted him to repent and receive the Saviour’s forgiveness.  But Herod Antipas, the governor of Galilee, was living in an adulterous relationship with Herodias, his half-brother Philip's wife.  It was wrong.  God's kindness led John to urge the great man to repent (Romans 2:4).

But instead of tender-hearted contrition, John was met by the king’s hard-hearted, fearful arrogance.  That is what happens when people sear their consciences (1 Timothy 4:1-2).  Although they cease to feel shame, they live in fear which boils over into anger when challenged.  So, John's rebuke stirred up fear in Herod's heart; rather than submitting to the message, the messenger was thrown into prison.  In all, John's ministry lasted three years: one year of preaching and baptising, and two years in prison before his execution. (Luke is just giving a summary here, but you can read the full story of how anger turned into murder in Mark 6:14-29.)

John's message of the need for repentance was the same as Jesus’.  It is still essential if people are to enjoy a relationship with Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:12-17).  Christianity without repentance is a religious game: the gospel has not been properly understood.  However, a vibrant love of Christ will excite opposition from somebody, somewhere.   Although darkness can never put out light, Satan resists the light of truth wherever he can, and uses all sorts of people to try to silence it.  Therefore, there will be times when truth-bearers will be opposed, just for telling the truth.  It is normal and to be expected (2 Timothy 3:12-13).

Even today, more people are suffering because of their faith than at any other time in history (there are more followers of Jesus now than ever before).   We must pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer for the sake of Christ (Hebrews 13:3) and, where we are able, send them messages of love and practical support.  And when darkness comes to your door, take courage because the Light of the World is living within you.  Do not be ashamed of Christ or His gospel because it is God's tool to let the light loose in the darkness (Romans 1:16).  So be refreshed and encouraged today as you step out into the darkness, because you are 'light in the Lord' (Ephesians 3:8)!