The Gospel of John, 1/17/15
John 1:19-34.
John's testimony pointed to Jesus as the Son of God. What will our testimony be this year? And we will be asked, I promise. Light is present right along with darkness in this world. And the world will question and judge us. What will we say? What will our response be? May it point to Him, as we truly live like this life is not about us.
"Who are you?" It is the Lord that gives us a new name and our real identity. We don't get that from the world or any worldly accomplishment. He has made us who we are. May we again point to Him, for we bear His name.
Being a voice calling in the desert implies a loneliness or at least an out-numbered, under-dog situation. This describes our existence in a world predominantly pagan and living as enemies of Christ. May we not shrink back in the face of this fact. In reality, if we could unzip the veil to the heavens, we would see the multitudes of spirits that have gone before us, cheering us on, including the King, Himself. Be encouraged. Be strong and courageous. Deal with the fear of death so that we are not hindered by the prospect of the impact of living in a fallen world. Our lives are in His hands. When we meet Him in heaven, it will be a glorious improvement to our current status. Be not afraid. Be rid of worry and anxiousness. Live with a committed, wild faith in Jesus. Trust Him.
John baptized with water in preparation for Jesus to baptize with the Spirit. His sole purpose was to clear the way for the Way to have His way! Notice, John saw Jesus suddenly one day. He had never seen Him before, yet he saw Him. I believe he saw Him because he was truly about looking for Him. Are we looking for Him? Or are we like the disciples in the boat, scared of the storm, thinking they saw a ghost walking on the water? Are we looking for ghosts or Jesus to show up in our storms? Come on! Have faith, friends. We are ingesting the word of God. Allow faith to rise out of a solid belief in God.
Who can explain the magical mysteries of God? The Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus as a dove is likened to the many miracles to come. We can't explain it, but we can testify that we know it is true. This is the Son of God. Enter Jesus, in His fullness. The world has been waiting for this moment in such great need. Here is our King. Here is our answer to our wanting. Celebrate the grandest entrance the world's stage has ever seen.
