Rhonda Adamson Writes!!!

John 1:8 "He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light." 

     John the Baptist knew his place in God's cosmic scheme.  He knew what God wanted from him.  John did exactly what God wanted.  He defined himself by his purpose in life. 

     His mission (to be a witness to the light) determined his occupation (preaching and baptizing); which determined his definition of himself (see verse 23 & 26).  John the Baptist's definition determined his declarations (see John 1:35; 3:27-36). John the Baptist's declarations led to his final earthly destination: prison and martyrdom.  See Matthew 14:1-12.   John the Baptist's destiny included Jesus' commendation:

     Right before John the Baptist's gruesome death (beheaded with a sword), Jesus commended John the Baptist.  Here is what Matthew 11:1-18 says: After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.  When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.  Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

    As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John:  "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?  If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in king's palaces.  Then what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom is written: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'

     I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of God has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.  For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.  And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.  He who has ears, let him hear.

    "To what can I compare this generation?  They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

"'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;

We sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'  The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."'  But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

      What is your mission in life? Does your mission match your occupation?How do you define yourself?

    Think back over yesterday.  What were your declarations, the things you said in your mind or out loud about yourself and others? What you say in many ways will shape your destination. 

    Someday, I will reach my eternal destination.  My physical life on earth will cease.  But my eternal life will never stop because I believe in Jesus as the Jewish and Gentile Messiah, the Anointed One who delivered me from my dreadful sin.  When I stand before the great white throne (Revelation 20:11-15), will the Triune God give me commendations?

Do you know your purpose in life?