Day 23: John the Baptist (Matthew 11: 1-6)
He came into the world in no insignificant or ordinary way. His birth and name were foretold by an angel to his father, who then became mute until he arrived. Both of his parents were beyond the normal childbearing years. He had been filled with the Spirit of God before he even breathed his first breath. He was given a clearly spelled-out assignment before he was conceived. He would be the forerunner of the Messiah, bringing a message to his people, a message of repentance of sin. Yes, his life had been extraordinary, and his call precise. He would make ready a people prepared for the Lord’s coming.
Growing up, he knew his close relative, Jesus, was special. How many times had he heard the stories of how their births were so similar, uncannily so? Yet he hadn’t put it all together that Jesus was the One he was preparing the way for. (John 1:31, 33) When the time came, he diligently set out to fulfill his special calling.
His message of repentance was well-received, though it was a brand new concept for his people. Until then, they only knew they were to offer sacrifices for the sin they committed. Never before had they been taught to turn from their sin. But the message of repentance was necessary to prepare their hearts for the message of salvation. The crowds continued to gather, to hear, and be baptized. Some even thought that John might be the Christ.
On that particular day another crowd from Bethany joined John at the Jordan River. When he looked beyond the olive trees, he saw Him coming—Jesus! When He arrived at the river’s edge and revealed why He came, John was incredulous. How could he baptize Him? Yet the Spirit in him leaped, and he knew this was the Christ. Understanding the requirement of the moment, John obeyed. God confirmed in his spirit what he already knew. “This is My Beloved Son!”
Yet John, months later, faltered in his faith. Upon hearing of the works of Jesus, he sent his disciples to inquire if He was the Expected One, or should they look on. Are you faltering in your faith? Has your faith turned to doubt? Try revisiting in your mind the day of your salvation.
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