John 1:22-23 WHO ARE YOU?
“So they (the priests and Levites) said to John the Baptist, ‘WHO ARE YOU?’
We need to give an answer to those who sent us. WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT YOURSELF?’”
In an interview, one of the most important questions that you need to ace is "Tell me about yourself." It seems like a trivial question that you should be able to answer with your eyes closed. Yet this could make or break your chance to get that job you are applying for or be approved for a visa to your dream destination. So, what do you say about yourself?
John the Baptist confessed that he is not the Christ nor that he is Elijah nor a prophet (v. 20-21). He said that he is "the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said (Isaiah 40:3)."
TRUTH
John knew that he was sent from God to bear as the witness about Jesus, the Light (v. 6-7). That is the truth about who he is and he was not ashamed to tell the truth even though it may cause him trouble. Likewise, we need to be the same. We need to know and declare that we are the CHILDREN OF GOD even in the presence of our enemies and scoffers. We need not to be ashamed of the Gospel and share it to others even in the face of utter rejection. We are to remain true to who we are even if it is inconvenient and difficult to live up to.
HUMILITY
John was given a very special task - to baptize people with water. And even before his birth, John was promised for a great calling and purpose. "He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn hearts" (Luke 1:15-17). Notwithstanding all this things about him, John never tried to promote himself. He knew his place and where to stand. Above all, he knew who is greater and he exalted Him. He recognized that his calling is not greater than the One who called him. He gladly took his role and showed humility like no other.
“I baptize with water, but among you stands One you do not know, even He who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I AM NOT WORTHY TO UNTIE.
I myself did not know Him, but FOR THIS PURPOSE, I came baptizing with water, that HE MIGHT BE REVEALED TO ISRAEL””
PRAYER
Father God, thank You for the example that You have given us through John the Baptist. You showed us that we do not have to be ashamed of our salvation and that we do not have to be afraid to tell about who we really are in You. Lord, forgive us for all the times that we became too prideful to admit that You are greater than us. For all the times that we took the credit and honor from You, we ask for Your forgiveness. Teach us to be humble and how to exalt Your name among any others. We lift You up and we praise Your Holy Name! In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen!