John 1: 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize.27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.
The amazing importance of deepening your relationship with God is vital to finding your place in this whole process. You might think "Ok, I am saved. End of story!" It is just the beginning as you have been added to the process God has planned for all who are born again. Keep in mind that Jesus followed the process, knowing the need to complete the plan of God. The messengers that came to John asked who he was in accordance to the prophecies and John told them he was the "voice in the wilderness part." That was it and that was enough.
In the above scripture I hope you notice that Jesus is in line to get baptized by John. John knew the Messiah was in line to get baptized by him!! This baptism was all part of the process, John made sure to state his place in the whole process by saying in verse 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” We cannot minimize the importance of John being a part of the process because his part was a fulfillment of what God had told the prophet Isaiah to speak many years before. John knew his value in the process and where his part fell in the overall work and he was faithful to do his part.
What is your part in this whole process? You do have a part and you are an important part in the whole thing. Some say we have nothing to offer in this process set forth by God, but John doing what he was commanded to do was vital because God made him vital. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about the importance of everyone in the process. The following scripture brings all of this into focus 1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
God gives us all worth and His calling is a specific thing for each believer as we function to fall in line with God's plan for each of us. Some parts may seem signficant in the process, but God gives of us value in what we bring to the process. Some may try to have some kind of "fake" humility and say "Oh I am nothing in God's service." To which, I would say, that is pure dumb and you need some good Bible Study skills. Jesus died for you. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help you come alive and you want to doubt how God can use your life for His purposes? Come out from the shadows and take your part in the process and see God do great and mighty things as He empowers you and guides you to follow the Holy Spirit in your life. Church come alive and quit trying to be a "club" where we just feel "safe."
John the baptist stepped out and proclaimed the coming Messiah without first seeing Him and guess what, He showed up in the line for baptism. Just like God said. Hmmm. Perhaps we should step out in faith knowing that God will come through at just the right time. Proclaim the truth of God's in faith and God will prove He is reliable. That is living In the Process.
Today's Message,
David Warren
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