December 15, 2009
READING: John 1:19-28
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him. “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” ….. John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me…
John 1: 19-21, 26
Every day seems like a battle; a battle raging between the faithful and the doubtful. The faithful sit down once a week for an energy shot and are then sent out into the world for six days before returning for rejuvenation. However, during time out of church, the faithful are constantly challenged by the doubtful. Just as John the Baptist was questioned by the Levites, the faith driven today are questioned by the skeptical. “Who are you?” A typical inquisition that Christians are subject to. The second someone does something out of the social norm with any relation to Christ, they’ll turn the corner and a scoffer is waiting, ready to pounce the question, “Who do you think you are?”
So how is one to answer such a question? It is rarely in such a blunt form, but many of the questions revolve around misconstrued ideas about Christianity and what it represents, or whom the Christian represents themselves. People do not enjoy feeling inferior or demeaned, so how is one to proclaim Jesus by being his hands and feet without treading on other people’s toes? Well it is inevitable that eventually someone will be offended by their good intentions. John the Baptist was simply doing what he believed was right and explained that it wasn’t his choice, but that he represented someone much more important. This seems to be the best strategy in explaining where one is coming from when questioned about their faith. “I am merely a messenger of the Lord. I want nothing more than to make the world a better place in preparation for someone who is far more capable than I to change the face of humanity.”
Lord Jesus, continue to guide me and give me the strength to be your messenger so the world will know you as I do. Amen.
READING: John 1:19-28
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him. “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” ….. John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me…
John 1: 19-21, 26
Every day seems like a battle; a battle raging between the faithful and the doubtful. The faithful sit down once a week for an energy shot and are then sent out into the world for six days before returning for rejuvenation. However, during time out of church, the faithful are constantly challenged by the doubtful. Just as John the Baptist was questioned by the Levites, the faith driven today are questioned by the skeptical. “Who are you?” A typical inquisition that Christians are subject to. The second someone does something out of the social norm with any relation to Christ, they’ll turn the corner and a scoffer is waiting, ready to pounce the question, “Who do you think you are?”
So how is one to answer such a question? It is rarely in such a blunt form, but many of the questions revolve around misconstrued ideas about Christianity and what it represents, or whom the Christian represents themselves. People do not enjoy feeling inferior or demeaned, so how is one to proclaim Jesus by being his hands and feet without treading on other people’s toes? Well it is inevitable that eventually someone will be offended by their good intentions. John the Baptist was simply doing what he believed was right and explained that it wasn’t his choice, but that he represented someone much more important. This seems to be the best strategy in explaining where one is coming from when questioned about their faith. “I am merely a messenger of the Lord. I want nothing more than to make the world a better place in preparation for someone who is far more capable than I to change the face of humanity.”
Lord Jesus, continue to guide me and give me the strength to be your messenger so the world will know you as I do. Amen.
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