September 13 Devotional

John 1:19-28 (ESV) 
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.John the Baptist (not to be confused with the author of the book) was a man who understood his call and his identity. When the spiritual leaders demanded to know who he was, he didn’t get intimidated. Rather, he recognized the accusations behind the question: Why are you allowed to do what you are doing, John? Where do you get your authority? Who sent you? John answers them directly and humbly: “I am not the Christ, I am not Elijah, nor the prophet. I am here to tell you about the one who is coming. He is the Christ.”Notice John doesn’t become defensive about being questioned, he does not become insecure. He knows Jesus is the true authority, so he simply states the truth. “I am here to tell you about Jesus and I encourage you to prepare yourself for his arrival.”There is much encouragement in this scripture for each of us. Like John, you and I have been called by God to share the reason for the hope we have in Christ. And that might sound daunting, but remember, we have been adopted into God’s family as his sons and daughters. Therefore, we need not be intimidated by the questions or demands of this world. We don’t need to prove anything or impress anyone. We can rest in quietness, serve with confidence, and speak with boldness. When someone asks us about the unique way we live, we get to answer: “It’s because of Jesus. And I encourage you to prepare yourself for His arrival.” Let’s pray together. Lord, thanks for coming. Thanks for making the path to the Father known. Thank you for giving me an identity and a call in this life. I ask that you would remind me right now who you are and who I am. I ask that you would instill in me the confidence and boldness today to face each circumstance and enter each conversation with this in mind. I need not prove anything to anyone nor try to impress anyone. I ask that rather with your grace, I would rest in the call you have given me, serve in confidence and share with boldness the reason for the hope that I have. Thank you Father that you always hear me and you are always with me. In Jesus name: Amen.