Today’s reading: John 1:19-34
The first narrative in the Book of John is a dialogue between a group of priests and Levites whom the Pharisees have sent to confront and question John the Baptist about his identity and actions. The Jewish leaders are intrigued by John, but they’re also a bit fearful and jealous of him because of the spiritual message he’s preaching and the attention he’s generating with the people as a result. So they ask John if he is “the Christ,” or if he is Elijah or the prophet. It’s a prime opportunity for John to elevate himself and grab the spotlight, but he doesn’t do it. Instead, he immediately refutes each suggestion of being someone great, and then, using a passage of Scripture that is very familiar and meaningful to these men, explains that he is simply doing the work of God by proclaiming Christ.
“He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.'” (vs. 23)
I was drawn to the way John responded to this powerful and influential group of men. He didn’t allow them to pull him off course. John’s focus was on God, and he was concerned with doing the work God had for him rather than being great in the eyes of people. John knew his calling–being about the business of proclaiming and highlighting Jesus–and was dedicated to it.
Once we enter into a relationship with Christ, we are called to proclaim the salvation message of Jesus, a big part of which is showing His love to ALL those we encounter. What’s one example of how you have declared and/or shown the love of Jesus to someone this week? Who do you know that needs to hear about Jesus’s love for them? Will you join me in asking God to help us (you and me) be even bolder as we live for Jesus in a lost and hurting world? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
