John 1:29 – Our Privilege to Serve

“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

The John quoted in this verse is John the Baptist, whom the book of Mark describes as; “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 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. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: ‘After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit,’ ” (Mark 1:4-8).  John the Baptist had the astounding privilege of being the person spoken of in prophecy as the one who will “prepare the way for the Lord,” (Isa. 40:3, Mal. 3:1). He was chosen by God to lead the way for Jesus, and baptize Jesus (John 1:19-34).

For a moment, imagine being John the Baptist; not so much the part about crunching down on locusts and honey for lunch, but about his experience with Jesus himself. You spend your days preparing the way for Jesus, eagerly anticipating His coming, and one day He shows up. The Messiah has arrived! In this moment of joy, the Messiah directs you to baptize Him. You question for a moment, but in your life-defining obedience in doing the Lord’s work you quickly obey. You wade into the same water that you have hundreds of times before, but this time with Jesus physically by your side. Taking hold of the Savior in your hands, you pray to the Father and plunge Him into the water; bringing Him up again to behold; “Heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased,’ ” (Matt. 3:16-17).

When we meditate on John’s enthusiastic devotion and obedience, we see our participation in God’s work as a true privilege. Although John’s life, and our own, are not made up of strictly mountain top experiences we must remember Who it is we serve, and what an honor it is to serve the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for allowing us to be a part of Your work. Like John the Baptist, help us to do Your work regardless of circumstances.