Who is John the Baptist? The Bible tells us that Zechariah (a high priest in Israel) and Elizabeth were the biological parents of John the Baptist. There was indeed a huge difference between the conception of Jesus and that of John the Baptist. Though the news of the birth of both of them was announced by an angel, Jesus's birth was further initiated by the Holy Spirit, so John the Baptist was not a messiah. Jesus said of John the Baptist that no one born of human is greater than he. And of course his life was a wonder; he had his own disciples and also led people into repentance.
For an answer to our question, let us consider the exact words of John the Baptist. When the Jews came to ask him, he said_ "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." John 1:23. Here, John himself gave the most valid answer to the question of his existence.
Nevertheless, do not just read speedily, pay a close attention to each word of this statement from John. He said_ I AM THE VOICE. John the Baptist recognized himself as not just a human, but a voice. The next question is then, the voice of who or what? John said_ I am the voice OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS. Now, John the Baptist is not just a voice, but the voice of someone crying in the wilderness. In other words, John was saying that he was not the one speaking for himself, but that someone was speaking through him. The next question is then, who is speaking through John?
The book of Luke 1:15 tells us of how the angel told Zechariah that John would be filled with Holy Ghost right from his mother's womb. And John was indeed filled with the Spirit. This was shown during Mary's visit to Elizabeth. When John heard Mary's salutation, he leaped for joy, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and she began to prophesy. Also, the book of Luke 1: 80 says_ "And the child (John) grew, and waxed strong in SPIRIT"
Therefore it is made clear that John the Baptist was not just a man, but the voice of the Holy Ghost in him. It is the presence of this Spirit in him that makes him a forerunner for Jesus Christ. This also accounts for all he his deeds and contributions to the ministry of Jesus, including the baptism.
Point! As believers, we are meant to be a voice, not for our selfish interests, but of the Holy Spirit in us. Every word we speak and action we made must be initiated by the Holy Spirit. This is the one and only true essence of being Christ's representatives on earth, as John was the forerunner. Problems spring up in Christianity and in our lives when we decide to leave the Holy Spirit out of our business. When we think we can do things alone, and that the ways of the Spirit are not profitable.
Always remember that you are not just a Christian, but the fact that you are a voice. A voice to this hardened and wicked world, a voice to say the truth of God, a voice to make straight the way of the Lord, a voice to bring others into repentance, a voice to make a change. This is your one and only acceptable duty as a believer.
Comments