Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’”
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Anyone who speaks in support of Jesus will face opposition. Sometimes you’ll feel lonely, like a voice crying in the wilderness. John the Baptist did. So will you.
Everyone who says they follow Jesus has a testimony about him. The question is what kind of testimony it is. What is yours? Is it silent? Is it indifferent? Is it consistent? Is it passionate? Is it unabashed?
John was asked, “Who are you?” The same question should be asked of you. “Who are you?” Your answer goes far beyond your name, background, position, power, or people’s approval. God never calls people to be famous, but faithful.
Who are you? This is a question about your identity. Is it found solely in Jesus and him alone? If you find your identity in anything other than Jesus, it will fade like the morning dew on the grass. It’s a vanishing vapor and will not last.
John answered “Who are you?” by saying, “I am not the Christ.” He knew his purpose in life was not to be Jesus but to point people to him.
Belonging completely to the Lord was his purpose in life. Can you say the same thing about yourself?
John simply wanted people to know Jesus. He said he wasn’t even worthy to put his fingers on the straps of Jesus’ dirty, grungy sandals and untie them.
Today, examine your heart. Is there a desire within you for self-exaltation and self-aggrandizement? Do you proudly think you are worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals? Be honest. Place your life as a mirror against his selfless, sacrificial life. See in the Son the Father’s intention for all humanity. See in Jesus his desire for all humans to serve, not be served, to be servants, not superstars. Loving others proves you are one of his disciples and his love lives in you.
The Father desires your life to be spent pointing people to him, not yourself. He wants your life to be a testimony to his greatness, not your own.
You are not the Christ. Quit trying to control others and your world.
Give it all to him. He oversees all. He controls all. You don’t. Trust him today with everything in your life.
Is God like a human who changes his mind? Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised anything and not carried through? Of course not!
John knew this truth.
Do you?
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]