Is. 49:1-6 | Ps. 139:1b-3, 13-15 | Acts 13:22-26 | Luke 1:57-66, 80
Today we celebrate the Birth of John the Baptist. Jesus tells us that John was the greatest prophet in Israel. Luke records the birth of John. We are told that John spent many years in the desert before he went to Jordan to preach. Isaiah tells us how John and all of us were called before we were formed in our mother’s womb. John was called to be God’s prophet, his servant, and a light to the nations. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that John knew that he had a task to do which was to lay the foundation so that Jesus would be received. John testifies to that fact when he said: “I am not the Messiah. There comes after me, one whose sandal strap I am no worthy to untie.” We are called by God to lay the foundation for Christ. We are loved by God and called before we were formed in our mother’s womb. God, who has formed us, will not abandon us and will give us all we need to do the work He calls us to do.
Spend time with John the Baptist today. Watch him as he preaches in the River Jordan. Ask him to intercede with God for you so that you will be strengthened to recognize Jesus in your Life. Ask him for the courage to follow Jesus no matter what. Determine to teach others about Christ by living according to God’s Word.