Witness to the light

He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.  –John 1:7-8 (NIV)
 
I love the attitude demonstrated in Scripture by John the Baptist. He understood he was not the star of the show. He was not even the main character in his own story. The words of the angel foretold John’s role to his father, Zechariah: “He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). The gospel writers picked up that theme, identifying John as the subject of Isaiah’s prophecy of old: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him’” (Matthew 3:3).
 
John’s statements about himself and his relationship to Jesus made it clear that he was on board with that designation. “One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals” (Luke 3:16). “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him” (John 3:28). “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). “The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice” (John 3:29).
 
I want to be more like John the Baptist – pointing to Jesus. It isn’t about me. I am not the light. I cannot save anyone. (What am I talking about? I can’t even save myself!) There is One who is worthy and able. He is the One who matters.
 
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.  –2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NIV)
 
That is true as ever with the current state of our country and our world. There are a lot of people with a lot of agendas out there. To be fair, some of the ideas being floated make some sense, but after a while, they tend to wear me out. I don’t need to hear from anyone else whose plan does not include a message of being reconciled to God in Christ. Is it too simplistic to say Jesus is the answer? I don’t think so. It isn’t easy, but it is that simple. Let’s keep coming back to that and see where it takes us. I'm pretty sure God is up to something here. I'm praying we're wise enough to recognize it and brave enough to join Him.
 
He must become greater; I must become less.  –John 3:30 (NIV)