Throughout history, God in his own infinite wisdom has raised man and woman to live a life that ultimately will guide them to be a part of the plan of God through a life of testimony. As long as we are alive, it’s never too late to build a life of dedication and influence that ultimately pleases God. As a result, we share our God given testimony for others to follow.
Such is the case of John the Baptist. God raised him up to give a testimony of God’s goodness and to guide man and woman to God through repentance because the kingdom of God was at hand. In Luke chapter 1, Luke wrote about John the Baptist and also about the things that eventually took place. This writing is very detailed because Luke was a physician and doctor who relied on facts.
Luke described John the Baptist in detail from John’s birth, Jewish background, and lineage. Luke also describes in detail when the Angel Gabriel visited John’s parents Elizabeth and Zechariah. Luke also described John’s name, purpose, power and boldness. John’s message was the most important message to the world at his time. He came to bear witness and testify for people’s repentance through baptism. He made people ready for the coming of the messiah, the anointed one who would deliver the Jewish people of sin.
Consider John’s bio. John was a Jewish prophet of a priesthood origin. He had a message of repentance and of judgment of human kind. He baptized those willing to hear the message in preparation to receive the messiah. John is considered by many the only true forerunner of Jesus Christ. John brought a word to the people of Israel. Even though he grew up in the desert, John had an appointed time for his ministry. John rose up in boldness and in the power of the spirit to declare his God given ministry that at the end became his testimony to everyone: “Repent because the kingdom of God is here. Receive the messiah.”
In Summary:
- John preached a message that through baptism repentance will be accepted.
- He baptized Jesus as well. Jesus told John that it was necessary for Jesus to be baptized by John.
- He challenged even Herod (appointed King of his time) to repent.
- He took a Nazarite vow for his life which meant “to set apart for God.”
- He focused on his mission even if his life would be taken for it.
- He stood against sin and its effects by being obedient all the way to his death.
Jesus in Luke 7:28 gave him the highest honor a man can get: I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John.
What about you and me? Do we want to have an honor similar to what John was given from Jesus Christ at the end of our lives? If so, let’s be faithful, obedient, and finish our God given mission to tell someone our testimony about Christ in us.
Nothing is more fulfilling in our lives than receiving God’s love through Jesus Christ. We can leave a legacy for ourselves and for our children to follow. When your name comes up they will say this man/woman knew God, obeyed God, followed God, loved God, served God, and shared God with all. He/she walked with God and led people to God. Ultimately, he/she showed God’s love just like John the Baptist did. For the glory of God and for the good of all mankind.
Is it possible? Absolutely. Be determined to follow John the Baptist’s steps. Believe and trust God through it all even if our lives depend on it.
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Tony on the Border 