Know Your Role

Mark 1:4-7 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.”
 
ISAIAH was a direct messenger who said another direct messenger would come to point to the Savior. Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” Luke tells us John, known as the Baptist or Baptizer, was born of the priest Zechariah and Elizabeth under God’s anointing six months before Jesus was born. He lived and dressed as the prophet Elijah had done about 750 BC. Elijah’s message to the idolatrous Israel was to proclaim God’s judgment on the unbelievers and salvation for those who believed the Sovereign LORD. John came in that same spirit of testimony.
   John also completed a message from Malachi 4:5 “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
   John lived in the desert regions of the Jordan River, east of Jerusalem. It is a very hot, desolate area. That people came to him to be baptized is a great testimony of God’s work over his ministry.
   The Spirit moved many hearts to receive John’s baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins. This baptism served as reminder to the Jews of God moving them through the Red Sea and the Jordan River on their way to the Promised Land. Going through the water was God’s symbol of leaving the old life for a new life under his authority and blessing. The Father’s purpose through John was to prepare Israel for the full repentance and forgiveness in Jesus’ blood. Mark 1:8 “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” John would work until the one more powerful than he would appear.
   Isaiah, Elijah, Malachi and John submitted to God’s purpose to proclaim the Messiah. In a like manner, you as a Christian are specially anointed with particular gifts and knowledge to tell and live Jesus’ gospel. In Romans 16, Paul records a number of women and men who devoted their lives to Jesus. Their hard work and consistent care for the church and each other demonstrated an active love for the Savior. For example, Paul writes: Priscilla and Aquilla risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them…6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. (Romans 16:4 & 6)
   The Bible has many accounts of people who knew their role in God’s kingdom. What’s yours? You know the gospel because of the work of many from ancient days and generations just before you. Who will know the gospel in the future because of your work today?