The last month of the year leads many of us to reflect on how things have been. Did we meet the goals we set for ourselves? Were good memories made with the ones we love? Am I entering a new year better than before?
When John the Baptist was on the earth, he focused on one thing: being the voice in the wilderness that led people to God. He knew his purpose.
Luke 1:17, "...to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
The angel of the Lord, Gabriel, visited John's father Zacharias before his birth. He shared John's purpose with him. It echoed the prophet Isaiah's words from decades before, when God gave him a promise to share.
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." Isaiah 40:3
It was always in the Lord's plan for John to go forth before Jesus, to prepare His people to receive Him. This was why Gabriel didn't visit Mary beforehand, but when he did, Mary received the best news!
Luke 1:31-33, "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
I understand this time of year can be hectic, busy, and overwhelming. Even when we're doing good things. Add on the pressure of a new year, some of us might not be in the mood to think about it at all. I understand.
I'd like to offer you a simple thought to streamline our purpose right now: be the voice. Be a representative of good news. Take up the mantle of John the Baptist and proclaim the Lord in the middle of the wilderness of life.
Lay aside the 12-month planner, the gym membership, and the PDF booklet about how to organize your life better. I'm not saying don't do those things. Just for a minute, focus on one purpose before you start planning.
Be the difference. Be bold. Be the voice that tells people about Jesus.
