God in Christ Jesus, didn’t show up in Israel unannounced. Jesus had the prophets who spoke of His coming and he also had a man called John. Some of you may know him as “John the Baptist.”
The Apostle John’s view of the world was one that included the possibility and even the expectation that God might send people to others in order to give them a message. God had not abandoned His Creation. God was still involved. The evidence of the Scripture and of the history of Israel gave witness to the close association of God with their lives.
The very personal and bodily involvement of God in Christ was going to exceed what they expected.
When kings and lords sent messengers, there was an expectation for the messenger and for the people who received the message. The messenger’s task was important — though she or he was not the source of the message, they were to speak faithfully the message and to point to the source of the message. Through their presence and their words the messenger became a witness of the message’s source. The receivers of the messenger were to believe and adjust accordingly.
So it is with John and with Israel and all who resided among her.
6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
John 1:6-9
We will see more of John the baptist, even in a few verses. But here’s what we must understand about John the Baptist: God sent him. He was a witness. He testified about the light. He was not the light. He came as a witness to Jesus — the true light that gives light to everyone. God sent John so that people might believe. God is a sending God! God expects belief.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you! You have never abandoned your Creation. You keep sending people to give light to those who walk in darkness. Shed light on who Jesus is for more people in our world today. Keep sending people like John the Baptist to point to Jesus the true light. You desire for people to believe. You desire for people to get out of darkness. Unbelief is evidence of darkness. May those of us who know you be your witness. Light up our world Lord! Light up our hearts and minds Lord! May we testify of your light in our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thanks for sharing this with me. I really needed this to give me strength & light to this crisis i am facing. Bless ur calling to share Gods word &nlight
Hi Anita, So good to hear from you. May the Lord help and indeed give you strength, the light of His wisdom, and the peace of His grace with you. Blessings, Craig
Thank u
Thank you for bringing Christ back into my life with this I have been homebound since I broke my hip 3 years ago now I have your link praise into Jesus Thank you
Sheila, its wonderful to be back in touch! Ellen shared your correspondence with me. Greetings to you and your family!
Craig
Thank u for letting me be in on services again