“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”(John 1:29).
John’s birth proved his life would bring about innumerable blessings: his father regained his speech, a large number of people were awakened and baptized, his cousin walked on the path he had made straight… What a life of service!
In several countries committees are set up exclusively to plan for the reception of important people. Details are taken care of so their arrival will be as uneventful as possible, although we know lots of effort, fatigue and overtime are required of the people in charge. Probably only few people understood John’s life and all the sacrifice required by his commitment to be a messenger and prepare the way for the Lamb of God.
Such a great task had never been entrusted to anyone; not even to Moses, when he had to lead the children of Israel. His life went totally against what was customary in those days. His self-control, simplicity and spirituality were unequaled. Through his life, words and example, frivolous people in his days had to radically change their hearts and get ready to receive the Lord.
What a challenge! In the midst of nature, quiet and apart from the world, he learned about God and prepared to faithfully and excellently fulfill his mission. He observed people and studied how to reach their hearts.
Although Jesus was his cousin, he didn’t know Him. He had to carefully study what the signs of His coming and the character of His mission were. And that’s what he did. Although he didn’t understand every detail of Jesus’s life to perfection, he trusted God would make it all clear to him.
His voice burst through the desert silence and the drowsiness of sin. His hands cut through the calm waters to submerge the One who would continue with the work till the end. From what we know, they never spoke to each other again. John’s whole life pointed toward that moment, and ended there. Their short exchange of phrases may have seemed distant, but it implied total communion.
Like John, are you totally sure of the purpose for which you were created and the work you’ve been personally entrusted with? Don’t be afraid to spend however much time you need in study and prayer in order to discover it.
You can also prepare the way for Jesus. I’m sure He’s got in mind a unique way for you to do that, one that’s especially designed for you.
