Five Lessons from John the Baptist

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

08 Jun 2007 08:45 AM

The prophesied preacher prepares people for Jesus. What about you? What lessons can you learn from John the Baptist about your role in God's plans? Let's look at Mark 1:1-8

1. Mark begins his gospel account of Jesus by stating clearly who Jesus is the Son of God, verse 1. The gospel focuses on Jesus in the first verse, so that we who read it do not lose sight of the fact that Jesus is the focus. Jesus should also be the focus of all that we do. As you look at your life, is Jesus the focus of all that you do?

2. Years before John even existed, God's plan for the ministry of Jesus and the part John was to play in it, were already in place. We see how far reaching God's plans are. Just so God 'chose us in Him before the creation of the world,' Ephesians 1:4. How does that make you feel, to know even before He created the world God had a place and a role for you?

3. God's promises and prophecies are always fulfilled in His time, verses 2-3. As we wait for God's promises to us to be fulfilled, we need to remember this fact: God's time, not ours.

4. John came preaching the need for repentance. Repentance must always be the first step in preparation for Jesus. Baptism was a visible sign of that change of direction and repentance. Like the people of John's time we need to confess our sins and repent of them, verses 4-5.

5. John knew his role in God's scheme of things. Do we know what our role in God's plans and our ministry is? John pointed people to Jesus. Is that your aim? Do you and I point others to Jesus as John did, focusing people's attention not on themselves, but on Jesus?

Each of us as God's people has a specific task to do, a specific ministry to fulfill. Are you and I obedient to the task and ministry God has for us?

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Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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trying2bmanofGod (219) 08 Jun 2007 04:22 PM

Nice article. Saying that it makes me feel sad on many levels. Because I feel like nothing I do matters. So God has a specfic minstry for me to fufill? I have heard that before, I'm I obedient to the task I guess Not. I would like to know what he wants me to do. Sorry I went off on a tangent. Once aain very nice article God Bless you.

Dale Harcombe (10126) 09 Jun 2007 03:24 PM

I think we all feel like that at times- that nothing we do matters. Even Elijah felt like that at times and felt that things were too much for him. And then he heard the still small voice of God, telling him what to do next and providing a helper for him. All I can say is as I have prayed for God to show me what He wants me to do, He has laid a concern on my heart, shown me where there is a need and opened ways for me to meet that need. I'll be looking for ways to serve God in a new church when we move soon. It may take me into new areas of srrvice, we'll see. Look around and see what needs there are in your church or community and then pray expecting God to show you what He wants you to do,is all I can say. I'll pray for you too.