‘I am the Voice’

“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… 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…” For this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel…  And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John 1:6-9,19-20,23,26-27,29-31,34

As famous as John the Baptist was for his message, lifestyle, and dress code, he wanted only to be known for the One he represented. He was a herald, a preparer. When asked who he was, his answer was all about Jesus. It was the Worthy One who was to be anticipated, and beheld. John’s words and presence were merely to reflect the Son of God he announced and honored. (Matthew 3:4)

Many cultures draw attention to individuals visually, publicizing them as heroes or villains, famous or ordinary, important or inferior. We make and post selfies to portray success and happiness and to promote a certain glossy, air-brushed image. Our identities are what people see. But in God’s universe, He’s made us to be conformed to Him. Our identity created by Him is to be hidden in Him, so we draw attention to His character and excellencies rather than ourselves. (Colossians 3:1-3)

We are to reflect His image and bear His countenance. We are to adorn ourselves not outwardly but inwardly, with mindsets shaped by His word and spirits daily filled that in every expression proclaim the truth about Him. And while this is anathema to a modern mindset, it’s a life habit God’s children must and can form. (Numbers 6:25-26; Romans 8:29-30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:4)

How well do we know our Lord, and what are we investing to know Him better and experience Him more personally? How do we describe Him with our words and actions? What do we convey through work and service that informs others who He is and what He means to us? How are we definitively expressing the worthiness and importance of Christ to those we encounter? What can and will we do, give, or arrange that the recipient will feel ministered to by Jesus, and that they now desire to know Him better?

Concerning me, if others could only hear, who would they hear? If they could only see, who would they see? O Lord, let it be Jesus in me!