John 1:23

New International Version (NIV)

 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

For Meditation

1. Isn’t it good to always remind ourselves that our life is not about us, but all about God and His eternal plan and purpose for His world? Wouldn’t it keep us humbled and focused on what is important in life – giving God glory?
2. But how many things war against such eternal focus? Isn’t the self, one of our greatest distraction and enemy of the Spirit of Christ in us? Don’t you see the many times it rises to deny Christ his rightful place in many situations in our life?
3. Are you not thankful that John the Baptist and others showed us how to stay humble and give it all to Christ, no matter how hard the self tries to draw attention away from Christ and fix it on us?
4. Do you remember John the Baptizer’s response to the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem who sent a delegation of priests and Levites to ask him who he was” (Jn. 1:19)? “I am not the Christ…I am not [Elijah] … No [I am not the Prophet] … I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (Jn. 1:19-23). Joseph said to Pharaoh, “I cannot do it …but God will… (Gen. 41:16). Peter said to Cornelius, “Stand up…I am a man myself” (Acts 10:26). Do you get the idea?
5. What could be more tempting than elevation and praise from people? What could be more deceptive and glory-stealing than self-gratification and applause seeking and accepting? What could be more revealing of our selfish hearts and inner war against Christ and His rule over our lives? What sobering thought!

I pray you will not shrug your shoulders and say to yourself: “This time you’ve gone too far, Pastor,” and just walk away, not paying attention to these temptations that creep on us every day.

May you know your place in God’s plan and agenda through Christ and humbly keep to it, not seeking to grab any recognition He has not accorded you; but, may you keep Christ close in your heart and before you and give all glory to Him in everything, everywhere, and anytime (1 Cor. 10:31). For, He shares His glory with no one (Isa. 42:8).

Shalom