Prayer Journal
Monday, December 8, 2003
"There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light (Jesus) was the light of men." John 1:6-7
We understand that Jesus was sent from God; no problem there. But John was also sent from God and his ministry was designed by the Almighty as well. They were about the same age and both were on mission for God; both Jesus and John had a supernatural connection before and after their birth. Here's how it happened.
Zechariah was a priest of the line of Abijah and Elizabeth in the line of Aaron. They had the desire to have a child but Elizabeth was old and barren according to Scripture. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and gave him the news: You're going to be a daddy!
When Elizabeth was in her sixth month, Gabriel paid a visit to Mary and gave her the good news: she was to give birth to the Son of God who would reign over the house of Jacob from David's throne. (Lu 1:26-34) The angel revealed that her relative Elizabeth was also going to have a miracle baby. Mary hadn't seen Elizabeth in six months and decided to go see for herself if what the angel said was true.
When she and Elizabeth made eye contact, Mary's heart must have raced because if half the miracle was true, that meant her half was probably true as well. Then, as Elizabeth learned Mary's news, John jumped in his mother's womb and she was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit, confirming what Mary heard.
The first miracle in John's life was a miraculous birth. The second was when he "saw" Jesus for the first time. The next must have been his fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah who said, "A voice of one crying in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" John had met his destiny and was faithful.
Question: Do you know why John was born fourteen months or so before Jesus? Psalm 139:16 David says "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Scripture says that before John was conceived, God had work for him to do. Yes - before he was even born, it was ordained that he would tell people who Jesus was. Fourteen months was a head start on getting the world prepared to receive Jesus.
Do you know that you too are a miracle baby? Don't misunderstand me; there is only one Messiah and there will never be another John. But it is no accident you are where you are. Neither is it an accident how old you are. It is not random selection that resulted in your birth nor coincidence that determines how many days you live.
According to Scripture, it is by God's plan that you are alive and it is by God's design that you are still living. Every one of us is "sent" to be a witness to those around us of who Jesus is and what is required of them. We may not be John but our calling is just as sure.
So how that witnessing thing working for you?
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
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James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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