John 3:28"You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but am sent ahead of him.'"
Have you ever asked yourself, "Why am I here?"
In this body. In this time. In this place.
"What is my true purpose in life?"
"What does God expect me to accomplish?"
While some of us find ready answers, most of us struggle to put the puzzle pieces of our lives into a coherent picture.
We may play many roles and fulfill others' expectations before it dawns on us who we actually are and for what purpose we were created.
Not so, John the Baptist!
He is the original one-trick pony.
His purpose is crystal clear: To prepare the way of the Lord.
With tireless baptisms and calls to repentance. Self-denial. Dedication. Unflagging confidence.
Overjoyed to be the best man instead of the bridegroom.
Honored and humbled to herald the coming of the long-awaited Messiah.
He has no questions about the purpose of his life. Why God placed him on earth.
In this body. In this time. In this place.
He knows . . .
And, he fulfills God's will for him.
Perfectly.
~
Have you heard the voice of John, crying in the wilderness, calling you to prepare a way for the Lord in your life this Advent?
Will you pray with me?
We give thanks, Father, for the life and mission of John. Just as he served as a spotlight for Jesus, may our own lives shine for the sake of the One who saves us, the One who redeems us. May that be the most important purpose our lives can ever have. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 63:1-8 (9-11), 98 or 103
Isaiah 13:6-13
Hebrews 12:18-29
John 3:22-30
What a great connection between John the Baptizer to our purpose here. Don't you wonder how he was so crystal clear in his purpose and his mission? Amazing the devotion and energy he put into the task at hand. We should all learn to be so passionate. Great post Martha.
ReplyDeleteNice post...sorry cannot comment more as I don't know about this.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always a great way to start off my morning. They really help me focus. Great reflections on Advent. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Lynne, Janu, and Jessica, thanks so much for stopping in today.
ReplyDelete@Lynne - I'm so glad you liked the connection. Yes, what would this world look like if we all had John's passion for Christ? Wow!
@Janu - That's okay, my friend. Just know how happy I am that you came by today!
@Jessica - Thanks for your kind words! I'm glad the posts help you to focus on the day ahead. :)
Blessings to all!
You’ve nailed it Martha. The truth of why we’re here. Like John the Baptist, we are here to prepare the way of the Lord. What a high call!!! I like the term “one-trick” pony. And instead of being jacks of all trades, maybe we should become masters of the purpose for which we were sent.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started to read this post I thought to myself that I often battle with the exact same question. What is my purpose on earth. Never did I think that it is to prepare the way of the Lord! Wow, you have opened my eyes! Thank you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteHi, Debra and Nelieta, and thanks so much for leaving such wonderful comments here today.
ReplyDelete@Debra - Thank you! I love this: "we should become masters of the purpose for which we were sent". It is the highest of callings. There is nothing better . . .
@Nelieta - The struggle to find purpose strikes a common chord within us all. But, once we see that preparing a way for the Lord takes precedence above all else, then the pieces begin to fall into place for us. I truly believe it. My daily devotions are a testimony to this very thing happening in my life.
Blessings to the both of you and thanks again!
Good post, I used to struggle with this question a lot more than I do now. My purpose is clear to me, I am to be the best that I can be, love the best that I can love, and accept that I am me.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jan!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and commenting. :)
So glad your purpose in life is clear to you - I love what you have stated here!
Blessings to you!