Beware of popular preachers.

How in the world can I say that?  Many of my favorite speakers and preachers have very big audiences.  And they are good.  And I like it when my own pastor makes me feel good, sometimes.

Okay, on the other side, do you know a pastor who always speaks powerfully from the Word of God, and yet consistently has a very small following, after a decade or more?

Now, consider all the people in the Bible who were spokesmen for God.  How many of them were consistently popular, with large and favorable audiences throughout their ministries?  Help me out—I’m struggling to think of a single example.

“Not everyone that says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not preached in your name?  And in your name have we not cast out devils?  And in your name have we not done many wonderful works?’

And then I will profess unto them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you that work iniquity.’ ”

Jesus said that.

And what does it mean to really follow Him, including His unpopular warnings and promises, and the cost?

Beware.

Be careful whom you endorse.

Be careful whose endorsement you seek.

Popular preachers, beware of popularity.

Rather, seek God’s blessing.

Seek to qualify for Jesus’ promises:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:  for great is your reward in heaven;  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

If we are really following Jesus, why aren’t we persecuted more?  Have we come up with a better formula than Jesus’ words?

Wait and see . . .

or

Repent and seek . . .