SAN ANTONIO, TX.- A voice in the wilderness.

After a 3 day break in Atlanta, the tour has resumed in Texas. I spent two nights at Mac's house (highlights- reading a Christmas story to a bunch of schoolchildren in the middle of a Mac mini-concert, and the Powell's Christmas Party) and one night at Mark's house (highlights- an incredible walk-in shower, and the film Beowulf in 3D). I also visited Scotty's studio The Rockporium and recorded a spoken vocal line for a new DecembeRadio song!
For our devotions in San Antonio we were joined by our friend, pastor and author Max Lucado along with his family a some people from his church. We studied the following passage from Isaiah:
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and that her sins are pardoned. Yes, the LORD has punished her in full for all her sins.” Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, “Make a highway for the LORD through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God.
Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots.
Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The LORD has spoken!”
Isaiah 40.1-5

Most of us are desperate to have a meaning and purpose in life, we want to be valued, want to make a difference. Many people today, like in Reality TV, want to be famous. Not for being good or accomplished at something but just for being well-known.How about looking at someone who was well-known but shied away from fame. Who deliberately let the spotlight fall on someone else. Who faded into the background once his job was done and let the star take centre stage.
This person wasn’t just a name he was a voice.
He wasn’t just famous he was significant.
He wasn’t a superstar but a servant.
His name was John the Baptist.

I explained that these were verses John the Baptist used about himself in John 1.23 and I focused the devotional time on lessons to be learnt from John the Baptist himself. In order to help you understand completely you will need to read Malachi 3.1, Luke 1.13-17, John 1.19-23, Matthew 11.11, and Luke 3.15-17 ( read the Luke passage in the Message if you have it).

A brief summary of my talk:
JOHN WAS:

SECURE IN HIS IDENTITY –He was the cousin of Jesus but he realised he wasn't the Messiah himself. Despite many people thinking he may be the promised one, John knew exactly who he was and wasn't swayed be insecurity or jealousy.

HUMBLE IN HIS POSITION-strong He claimed he was not worthy to tie Jesus’ sandals, or to be his slave. Jesus said that there was no-one living greater than John! John used every opportunity not to point to himself but to the Messiah.

CERTAIN OF HIS PURPOSE- The Holy Spirit was upon John from before birth so that he would be a voice of one calling in the desert, preparing the way for the Lord. John faded from the scene when he had accomplished his purpose.

We are all modern day John the Baptists, making a way for the second coming of Jesus. Our prayers were that each of us would learn to be A Voice and not a Name.

Comments

[Joan Young/Godgrl Gomer]

With all due respect...as soon as I saw that photo of you with the hair, Billy Connolly came to mind! hahahaha
He is one of my favourite comedians...so no insult meant...

Cool stuff on John the Baptist. As usual, very insightful and well said. You certainly have a way with words....making them hit the heart and get to the exact point that is needed to be portrayed. Like the Thessalonians 'imitated' Paul, Timothy and Silas....I regard you as one to be imitated. You certainly are a man of God.
Shalom.

[Teresa (auntie gomer)]

Joan -I was thinking more along the lines of Neil from the 'Young Ones'...(more the hair and thumbs-up than the beard)

Nigel -Sounds like you had a some great 3D highlights ..... any photos?

Enjoyed your John the Baptist analogy ........ keep it coming.

[Teresa (auntie gomer)]

Just seen the photos on your other website, Nigel........... love the one of Mac and Aimee.

[Joan Young/Godgrl Gomer]

Bwahahaha! The Young Ones....hahaha

[sarah]

That is such a cool passage--I just finished up my Hermeneutics course and that passage was the one I did my final project on. It was a really cool one to work on...

Thanks for your additional insight.

[Corrine]

I know that wig/hat of Scotty's. The DecembeRadio guys brought it with them when they came here this summer. I have a picture of both of my kids wearing it. That thing should have a guest list. It's been on all the best heads!

[Corrine]

John the Baptist was rare in that he not only knew his purpose, he fulfilled it. I think that is the place I am most insecure. When I stand before Him, will my Father say, "Well done my good and faithful servant"?