Daily devotion – Learning from John the Baptist!
John 1: 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
I have many heroes in the Bible. People I cannot wait to meet when we get to Heaven and talk with them about their lives and the impact each has had upon me as a follower of Jesus Christ. One of those who I am desperate to speak with is John the Baptist. His life was short being about 31 years old when he was beheaded by Herod.
His mission was unique – he came to prepare the way for Jesus, to be the witness to those living at this time informing them as God’s prophet, that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
As we observe his life it was one of isolation, no mention of family, just his father Zechariah, and his mother Elizabeth. He drank no wine or strong drink and He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and as a prophet he had the power and spirit of Elijah.
Prior to Jesus ministry, John had been discipling young men passionate for God but as soon as Jesus arrived he told them to follow Jesus.
John’s short life was instrumental in preparing the way for Jesus and in igniting the people of Israel to turn to Christ when He appeared.
We often complain about our lot in the days in which we live as Christians. The difficulties we face, the persecution that many suffer and yet we find in John not a word of complaint or murmuring. He was too on fire and consumed for the fulfilling what God had commissioned him to do.
Let us therefore learn from John and ‘be about God’s business’, what He has called each of us to do. John had no time to sit grumble or complain. His life was lived to its fullest even though it was just 31 years long.
Let us take our eyes off what is not dealing us a good hand and get our eyes fixed on the prize. Let us run the race we each have been called to run.
There is a lot happening in Australia in regard to the ostracising and criticism of those who follow Jesus Christ. But none of this is really relevant in what God has planned for us. Leave such things in prayer with God and then let us prepare the way for Christ’s return like John.
Jesus is coming again soon. We have a message of love and hope to share. Leave no room for ourselves to sulk in a corner saying things are tough.
As John said speaking of Jesus, “He must increase and I must decrease!”