Born to Make a Difference
Today’s Verse:
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ~John 1:6
Have you ever considered why you were born? Perhaps the biggest neglect we have is not knowing early in life why we were born, and, after we are saved, what our purpose is. We must grasp the fact that we were created to worship God and glorify Him. Our salvation purpose is that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. John the Baptist was one of the greatest men ever born. He is aptly introduced in John 1:6 as “a man sent from God.”
We see the divine.
John was a man sent from God. His birth was prophesied in Isaiah and Malachi. He was God’s gift to his generation. He was sent to prepare the way of the Lord. His birth was miraculous, and, even in his mother’s womb, he had cognizance of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ and His mission. Being sent from God is a testimony to the fact that no birth is an accident. God’s purpose in every birth is that we know we are loved and have a purpose from God Himself.
We see the directive.
"The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." John’s mission was to preach Jesus. He was sent to bear witness of the Light. His preaching was to be powerfully persuasive so that men might believe through him. John was not building his own disciples but, rather, preparing those who responded to his message for the One Whose shoe latchet he was unworthy to unloose. He was sent to be a witness. He did not lose focus on his mission to be a witness. Be careful of distractions that will keep you from being an effective witness.
We see the dynamic.
John came in the spirit and power of Elijah. In fact, Jesus said that John was greater than Elijah who had come. Jesus described him as a burning and shining light. Jesus gave commendation to the power entrusted to John. Not one time does John speak about his power or ability. Everything we know about him is the description our Lord gives of him. Our purpose in life requires power: power from God. Don’t be content with less than being a conduit God can flow through.
We see the denial.
John was a humble servant. He said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” He lived a life of self-denial. This was evident in everything about the man: his dress, his diet, and his demeanor. We are here because of God. We have a purpose because of God. We are nothing without Him. Dying to self is when “I” is removed. “Not I, but Christ”!
We see the duration.
John’s ministry was for a very short season. He died a martyr’s death at a young age. Yet, more was accomplished in six short months than all of us will do in our lifetime. Don’t look at time as filling space. Look at time as being precious and that we must redeem the time, for the days are evil. It is important that we live a full life and not just a long life. It is important that we live a Christ-centered life and not a self-centered life. Like John, you and I are sent from God. Fulfill the sending of God by bearing witness of the Light, that many will believe on Him through you.
Have a purposed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 22-24