There was a man…

John 1:6

We are introduced to a new character in our reading, John. We will hear more from John as we read but this verse is significant.

“There was a man sent from God…” This is really cool! God sent him. He was God’s man for this place and time, chosen and set apart. Wouldn’t it be wonderful that when they write our story, they would use words like “sent by God”! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our lives reflected Jesus in a way that when people see us walking toward them, they think of us as being “sent by God”! And wouldn’t it be wonderful if it pleased God to know that people thought of us as being “sent by God”!

“…whose name was John.” John was a common name. It is from the Hebrew word: Yhowchanan which means Jehovah-favored or, literally, “the LORD has been gracious”. It is interesting that “grace” would precede Jesus. That’s how God operates. Grace is a pillar of the Christian faith. To many, this John’s last name is “theBaptist”. This is the cousin of Jesus. He is the precursor to Jesus.

Again, more to come about John.

This prompts me to think of how I will be remembered. Will it be obvious that I was “sent by God”? Will I have a title associated with me like “the Baptist”? So much to reflect on in these few words.

Lord, help us to live and walk in Your Spirit today so others will see You in and through us. Amen!

Be refreshed!