Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, July 20, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:6–9).

Play your position! Stay on your square! Now that I got that off my chest let me explain. All too often God entrusts us with valuable roles to play in life that we abandon for what we consider to be more esteemed positions. Never mind the fact that His instructions are as clear as can be. Never mind the fact that we may even have been quite satisfied to fulfill our duty before perceiving greener pastures on the other side of the of the fence. If we are to be humble servants of the Most High (blessed be His name), we must learn to be satisfied with our assignments, whatever they may be.

One thing I have always admired about John Baptist (that is such a cool name), is that he was obviously quite driven to perform his duties to the best of his abilities. He was born to preach, teach, baptize, and prepare the way for the Lord. He was not interested in fancy clothing. He was not concerned about extravagant living. He was not worried about what other preachers were saying. He adopted a simple, healthy lifestyle and diet, which positioned Him for the highest honors heaven could bestow. “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11). John’s was a thankless job, but he did it with integrity and diligence.

Interestingly, when Jesus arrived on the scene to launch His public ministry, John seemed even more satisfied. He had worked so hard to direct the people’s attention away from him and to the Light, who would save His people from their sins. Now Jesus was there for all to behold and hopefully follow. John did not feel upstaged when the people did indeed follow Christ. He did not compete for followers on his ancient social media page. He did not blast Tweets that said that if he weren’t there before, Jesus would not have been so successful. No. John played his position and played it well. Ironically, John exited the stage of his life tragically. He was beheaded on a whim of two evil women and an unwise king.

What is your job? I don’t mean to ask for what company or organization do you work, although it could be relevant in the context. I am asking what have you been called to do. Were you called to stand before millions of adoring fans? Were you called to clean for wealthy people? Were you called to mobilize a generation of youth? Were you called to be a whistleblower amidst widespread corruption? What is your job? Whatever it is, learn from the life of John Baptist to perform it with all diligence until God reveals another job for you to do. Not only this but also do your job to lead others to a saving relationship with Him during these, the evilest days the world has ever known. Time is short, so “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Play your position. Stay on your square. No one else can fulfill your duties besides you.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)