The Voice Calling in the Wilderness

The one who does not want to be noticed will be the one that people will remember.

Verses:  John 1:19 - 28

My thoughts about the verses:

I often wonder what John thought about his fame.  John was not out trying to gain fame he was just trying to do what God had called to do him.  He knew that his mission was to prepare the way for Jesus.

The leaders wanted to discredit him at all cost.  It is amazing to me how strong he was during the questioning never once did he give credit to him.  In fact, he told them freely that he was not Jesus.  He then went further to say that he was not Elijah.  This shook up the leaders because they wanted him to admit that he was someone he was not.

My favorite hobby is looking for trees that are different that all those around them.  I often think it is God's way of making a statement.  It is something to think that a single tree can withstand the temptations of the trees around it.  Like the picture above you can almost see its defiance to be like all the others around it.

This reminds me so much of John.  He could have said many things but he choose to be a voice preparing the way for the Messiah.   He stood out among his contemporaries.  People heard his word and began following him.  There were many who actually believed that John was the one that had come to save them.  Yet, John did things to distract individuals from this.  From the way he dressed, and ate down to his teaching style they were all attempts to keep people focused on the Messiah that would soon make his appearance.

Prayer:
Dear God we thank you for sending Jesus.  We thank you for sending John and those that followed him preparing our hearts for the gift of the Messiah.  God we ask that you use us.  Help us become a voice in the Wilderness calling your flock to worship.  In your Holy name we pray.  Amen

Questions:

What can you do to show Jesus to others?  How can you lead others to God's Grace.  Are you willing to stand out from the crowd and lead other to Christ?  Is today the day you decide to follow the one that had his path prepared by a simple man calling out in the wilderness?