John 1: 6 - 9 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (Amen)
My Response to the Hearing of this Word is simply: More Confession
Yes, I rejoice at the hearing of the Word of the Lord! Even a difficult word of Confession. For I am reminded by the Holy Spirit that I can do nothing apart from him (John 15: 5).
Yes, I rejoice at the hearing of his voice! His voice came in loud and clear this day. Thus I must acknowledge my lowly position: I am not all-knowing (this belongs to God) and there are many things that I do not know. With proper perspective and his vision I am able to see that I am a mere broken vessel (2 Corinthians 4 v. 7), a simple servant-teacher and human mouthpiece, filled with the voice of many waters (i.e., his voice). The purpose of this in-filling is not to satisfy my feel-good longings but it comes according to the will of the Father, in line with his perfect design and choosing, and for the fulfillment of his ultimate plan and promise to make a people for himself. Therefore, what can I do but testify to his greatness and freely water the Word of God already planted by the precious hands of my co-laborers in Christ.
Thus again, by compulsion of the Spirit, I confess that I am nothing but a mere human sent to water that which I did not plant (Deuteronomy 32: 1 – 3). Though I teach, it is God who gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3 v. 7).
Furthermore, I understand John was compelled by the Holy Spirit to write down, to identify and confess his humanness as a lasting testimony in order to point to the ultimate supremacy of Jesus Christ alone.
From the start of his written testimony John makes it clear.
John existed because of Jesus Christ (John 1 v. 3). John lived for Jesus Christ (John 1 v. 7). He was defined by Jesus Christ (John 1 v. 20 – 23). He died for Jesus Christ (Luke 9 v. 9). He was nothing apart from Jesus Christ (Acts 17 v. 28). He was absolutely small in comparison to Jesus Christ – a mere human that others viewed as strange for they did not understand why he would choose to live apart in the desert for the purpose of sanctification and to be clothed with unadorned camel’s hair while feasting on insects while learning of God’s good provision and the way of a thankful heart. Again, in his own words, he was not the light (John 1 v. 8).
John then went on to speak, seek, and pray an ever-increasingly decrease of his own life so that Christ would forever be glorified and magnified (John 3 v. 30) . . . Yea, Foreverlasting it will be!
So why post my own confession for all to read?
God says, write the vision, make it plain on tablets so that a runner may read it (Habakkuk 2 v. 2). And like John I tremble at the revelation of who Christ really is . . . Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Do you see? By writing it down, there is no more confusion. Beyond any shadow of a doubt we can know our proper place in God’s kingdom and I want to go forth teaching and modeling the gospel by example. I seek a blameless lifestyle in preparation and hope that many would come to faith and believe in God’s Word because of my personal testimony. I can’t teach what I don’t live out. I must humble myself again and again.
Greatness should be ascribed to one true Son of God, Light of the World.
More Food for Thought:
John’s role, task, purpose, goal, was similar to that of a living, breathing signpost --- pointing to the Way “Make straight the way of the Lord” (done through a call to repentance) . . . pointing to the Truth Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (according to the proclamation and identification of Christ living and breathing in this world) . . . and pointing to the Giver of Life In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (telling of his incomparable Glory for all eternity that outshines the darkness of death).
John only came to testify to the light.
Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone.
I am humbled as a witness to Jesus Christ this day.
Lord help me to step aside so that I can be a signpost to someone greater; my Savior Jesus Christ – the one I love.
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