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

It is vital to remind ourselves constantly that our life is not about us but all about God and His eternal plan and purpose for His world. That is a sobering thought to keep us humbled and focused on what is essential in life as we give God glory in everything.

Regrettably, many factors impede our capacity to focus on Christ Jesus. Among them is the self, which distracts and opposes His Spirit within us. The self rises to deny Christ his rightful place in our lives. Learning from believers like John the Baptist and others who show humility and attribute all glory to Christ is a delight. They refused to receive worship, no matter how hard the temptation was. They pushed back with decisiveness and resolution. How different things are today, especially for us ministers in every category—pastors, evangelists, teachers, singers, instrumentalists, etc.

Recall John the Baptist’s response to the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem when they sent a delegation of priests and Levites to ask him who he was (Jn. 1:19). I am not the Christ, John said, neither am I Elijah nor the Prophet.

“I am [just] the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (Jn. 1:19-23).  

John was content to remain in his place and rejoiced in being God’s servant sent to pave the way for Messiah’s coming. Joseph did not want to enjoy the praise of being considered by Pharaoh as the expert in dream interpretation. God gave him the ability to interpret dreams. He humbly gave Him the glory in front of Pharaoh (Gen. 41:16). Peter said to Cornelius, “Stand up…I am a man myself” (Acts 10:26). He did not deserve worship. Only God does, so the chief apostle pushed back. Receiving it all to himself before the assembled gentile family would have been sweet. However, he resisted the tempting opportunity. The credibility of the message God called him to bring depended on his humility. And God received glory from it. Do you get the idea?

What could be more tempting than the elevation and praise those saints could have received from the people who confronted them? What could be more deceptive and glory-stealing than self-gratification, applause-seeking, and accepting human praise? It reveals our selfish hearts and the inner war against Christ and His rule in us. Isn’t that sobering?

May the Lord help us know our place in His plan and agenda through Christ and persist in it, not seeking recognition. He has not accorded us, but may we keep Christ close in our hearts and before us and give all glory to Him in everything, everywhere, and every time (1 Cor. 10:31). For He shares His glory with no one (Isa. 42:8).

Shalom