The Unexpected

John the Baptist has occupied my thoughts lately.

He plays a very pivotal role in scripture.

Luke opens his gospel by telling us about his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth.

In fact, an angel foretells his birth to Zechariah.

Luke 1:13 (NET) - But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you will name him John."

Similarly, an angel foretells the birth of Jesus to Mary.

Luke 1:31 (NET) - Listen. You will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

As was the case with Mary, an angel (God’s messenger) tells Zechariah what he is to name the coming child.

Even John’s very name is decreed by God.

Mary and Elizabeth are related and when Mary visits Elizabeth both are with child.

The moment Mary greets Elizabeth, something extraordinary happens.

Luke 1:41 (NET) - When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Though John and Jesus are yet to be born, John is aware that he is in the presence of Jesus.

This is truly remarkable because scripture tells us time and again that many adults in the physical presence of Jesus failed to recognize who He was even in face to face encounters!

Zechariah is silenced until John is born as a sign from God.

At that point, both Zechariah and Elizabeth are asked the baby’s name.

Zechariah writes: "his name s John."

Immediately, he is able to speak again and he chooses his first words to bless God.

It is Zechariah who is then filled by the Holy Spirit and he prophesies concerning the Messiah and the role his son John will play.

Luke 1:76-77 (NET) - And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

Luke tells us that John grows strong in the spirit and is in the wilderness until he is revealed to Israel.

John goes to the region around the Jordan River and preaches of baptism and repentance for the forgiveness of sin.

John’s pivotal role is further cemented as the fulfillment of prophecy.

Luke 3:4-6 (NET) -As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet. "The voice of one shouting in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make His paths straight. Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be brought low, and the crooked will be made straight and the rough ways will be made smooth, and all humanity will see the salvation of God.’"

John knew he was in the presence of Jesus when each was still in the womb.

John also knows who Jesus is when he encounters Him as an adult.

John 1:29 (NET) - On the next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

John preaches of baptism and repentance.

Jesus comes to John to be baptized though He has committed no sin of which to repent.

John baptizes Jesus and again, something truly remarkable happens.

The book of Mark tells us that when Jesus comes up out of the water the heavens "split apart" and the Spirit descends on Him like a dove.

As if these events are not remarkable enough, God has even more in store!

Mark 1:11 (NET) - And a voice came from heaven: "You are my one dear Son; in You I take great delight.

Yes, John the Baptist plays a pivotal role in scripture and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Neither Jesus nor John were what the people expected.

Mark 1:6 (NET) - John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

God places people in our lives who can play pivotal roles in our spiritual journey as well.

Some of these individuals may not be what we expect either.

After all, is it not said that God works in mysterious ways?


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 6, 2013.
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I’ll be back here on Friday, September 13, 2013.