“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world...
“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…
“’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.’
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’
“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’” John 1:6-9,19-23,26-27,29-36
John the Baptist was single-minded, on mission from God and hidden behind Him. His identity, life purpose, and drive were bound up in the One he was sent to announce. He drew no attention to self but deflected at every opportunity to Jesus. Day after day, as His witness, he shed light on Jesus and spoke only truth about Him, highlighting His unique glory and refusing any for himself. (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11; Colossians 3:3-4)
John was sold out to his ordained mission, and no worldly allure would detract him from it. From birth he knew he was stamped as one sent- a forerunner, a herald- and he stayed focused until death on that call. Jesus commended him, not he himself. (Matthew 11:7-14; 14:3-11; Luke 1:11-17)
Is Jesus so much my life that I am hidden in Him? How can those around me recognize Jesus in my countenance, speech, and manner of living? What about the atmosphere around me indicates His grace, radiates His peace, identifies His Lordship? How clear and bold and attractive is my witness of the Worthy One, that others are drawn to His hope of glory? (1 Chronicles 29:11; Colossians 1:27-29; 1 Timothy 4:12)
Father, in every effort, may my life and words point to, exemplify, and exalt You alone.
As the rain and snow 