John 1: 6 A man came, one sent from God, and his name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person.10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.
What would it be like to be the only one who knew the Messiah was coming? You had the inside information and that information came from God. Verse 6 A man came, one sent from God, and his name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. This was going to be the second time that John had met Jesus. He first realized the presence of Jesus when he was still in his mother's womb. The event is listed in the Word of God in the following verses in Luke 1: 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.
Scripture quickly states that John was not the light, but testified about Jesus, who is the light of the world. The scripture above tells that Jesus was the true light and He was coming to enlighten every person, every person. Scripture also reemphasizes the fact of Jesus being God and being from the beginning. Verse 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. This is where I can put a big OOOPS, because the people missed Jesus, and the creator was walking among them and they didn't see because they didn't believe. Belief is very important!! Then acting on that belief is an expression of being a trustworthy witness. Not a fair weather witness only.
We live in a world that has a very difficult time believing because their faith is temporal and the only faith that will last is a true faith. It would be like a football fan saying they love their football team and the first sign their team might lose too many games, they desert that team because of a lack of faith. When Jesus is involved He can be trusted to the very end, because at the end of our life, He kicks in the real life that is eternal. God can be trusted, but can we? John was speaking of one coming who would change everything and give us new life as children of God. Be a trustworthy witness of the life of Jesus in your daily walk and the Holy Spirit will use your testimony as you tell of Jesus and what He has done for you. Just tell your story, your testimony, and Jesus will be seen by those who need Him.
Before John was born Zechariah had an experience that caused him to lose the ability to speak even before Elizabeth conceived. A visitation from an angel while he was performing his priestly service struck him mute, but the angel promised his wife would have a son and his name would be John. Get this; the angel said that John would never drink wine or liquor, but he would be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb. Good thing she didn't try to abort him!! Luke 1:15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. Zechariah told them the name of his son was going to be John because that is what the angel told him, and he was trustworthy with that information.
Are we trustworthy with the information we have been given or are we so busy pursuing lesser interests that we have stopped sharing that Jesus is coming. God cared so much about the birth of John that he sent Gabriel to deliver the message, and then John the Baptist followed through with what God's plan was for His life. What did Jesus think about John? In Luke 7:24 When the messengers of John had left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces! 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending My messenger ahead of You,Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
In summary, we need to be a Trustworthy Witness and tell of the coming of Jesus and offer him to a lost and dying world. You know it is true and you don't have to have an angel sit on our windwo sill and explain it to you because it is found right here in God's Word. You are an important part of God's plan, which gives your life meaning, but like John you need to have a true faith to proclaim that message about the things to come that haven't been seen you. Then you will be a Trustworthy Witness.
Today's Message,
David Warren
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