Today’s Daily Bread ~ The Blessed Messenger

John 3:27-28 – John replied, “God in Heaven appoints each person’s work.  You yourselves know how plainly I told you that I am not the Messiah.  I am here to prepare the way for Him – that is all.”

I’ve always wondered what it must have been like to be John the Baptist.  In ancient times, when a king was coming to another city, a messenger was sent ahead of him to prepare the way and ready the people.  In John 1:6-8 we learn that God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.  John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the light.

John the Baptist truly was remarkable.  Nowhere in Scripture does it ever say he grumbled about his lot in life.  He never had a choice.  The angel who had announced his birth to his father told Zechariah that his son was to be set apart as a Nazirite.  The vow of the Nazirite meant John could eat no food of the tree or of the vine, cut his hair, or touch a dead body.  Most Jews in that day would take the vow for a season, to sanctify themselves for service to the Lord.  John lived under the vow his entire life.

John had disciples.  Large crowds came to be immersed by the one called “the Baptist.”  The Pharisees took notice of him, and wanted to know by what right he baptized, if he was not the Messiah.  John 1:26-27 – John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not know, who will soon begin his ministry.  I am not even worthy to be his slave.”  And when the Messiah came, he faded gracefully into the background.

Sometimes we lead in life.  Other times we follow.  And sometimes we’re called to take a supporting role.

Monday through Friday I work as a co-host on the Dorsey Gang on 96-3 KSCS.  The show is really Terry Dorsey and Hawkeye.  I’m often asked what I plan to do when Terry retires.  “Don’t you want your own show someday?”  No.  I honestly don’t.  I recognize that I shine by supporting.  I’m better with them than without them.  I’m not the star of that show, and you don’t hear my voice on every break, but I also know that I’m an important, contributing player.  I run the board and push the buttons (so yes, when you hear a mistake it’s likely my fault).  I find material and give the female perspective.  Sometimes I feel like part of my job description should’ve read, “Human dartboard,” but I take it gladly because I know it makes people laugh.

When God calls you to be a Barnabas, or an encourager, stand proud!  Behind every successful front-man is large team of indispensible players.  We ALL make up the body of Christ.  In 2004, I broke a very small bone in my foot, called the medial sesamoid.  Google it – it’s tiny.  But let me tell you something, that break sidelined me.  Who would’ve thought something that small would affect my entire body?

No matter how big or small your role appears to be, you are where God put you.  Be the best witness you can be in your circle of influence.  When you miss church, there’s a hole. The songs aren’t as joyful and the prayers aren’t as full.   It means someone didn’t get a smile, or a kind word.  You are crucial to the body of Christ.  Don’t ever underestimate yourself.  God has you where you are because you are the only one who can do the job He gave you to do.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the jobs You’ve given us, and we pray that You would strengthen us to do them.  We also pray for wisdom and discernment, to keep us from taking on things You have in mind for someone else.  We pray for the generosity needed to say “yes,” and the courage to say “no.”  Please help us to encourage other believers to lift up the Body of Christ.  Please bless us to be a blessing to others, and help us to shine Your light for all the world to see.  We love You, God!  We ask these things in the beautiful, glorious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.