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John 1:19-27

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.”  (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”  John answered them, “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.”

John the Baptist made his first public appearance in the summer of 26 AD. His dress (camel hair clothes), diet (locusts and honey), preaching, and emphasis that even the Jews needed repentance and spiritual cleansing (symbolized by baptism) caused quite a stir. It’s not surprising that the Jews sent a committee to determine who John really was. John was clear in his answers: “No, I am not the Christ.” “No, I am not Elijah.” “No, I am not the Prophet (Messiah) spoken about in Deuteronomy 18.” John explained simply and plainly that he was the one sent to heighten the spiritual mood and receptivity for the real Messiah whose sandals, John said, “I am not worthy to untie.”

John knew what he was made to do. And even with the lights shining on him and his ministry, he kept the focus on Christ.

I remember a Sports Illustrated article on the 2009 World Series MVP, Cole Hamels. The story was about Hamels’ rise to fame. It focused on his Letterman appearances and marriage to Heidi Strobel. She became famous for taking off her clothes in return for some Oreos and peanut butter as a contestant on Survivor: The Amazon (an antic that led to Playboy’s cover). The story was all about appearance, image, and learning to live life in the public’s gaze. That story reminded me of another article I read about Albert Pujols, arguably one of the best players in baseball. Pujols often referred to his relationship with Jesus Christ, noting it was the most important thing in his life. “You know how I want people to remember me?” Pujols asked. “I don’t want to be remembered as the best baseball player ever. I want to be remembered as a great guy who loved the Lord, loved to serve the community, and who gave back. That’s the guy I want to be remembered as when I’m done wearing this uniform. That’s from the bottom of my heart.”

So, here’s my question…when the spotlight shines on you…will you use it to promote yourself, or will you use it to point others to Christ? Two options, but only one right answer.

Father, each one of us will have the opportunity in life to promote ourselves or you. Give us the strength and focus to point people to Jesus. In his name. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

The Tenderizing Process of Waiting