READING: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3; John 1:15-34
“I am not the Messiah.”
John 1:20
“I am not the Messiah” (John 1:20). These words of John the Baptist are significant words to me today. I need to remember them when I:
- think I must be involved in everything
- cannot say “no” when I should
- assume that I have all the answers
- follow behind others I’ve “trusted” and clean up what they do
- think I should be involved in every discussion
- get frustrated with myself when I don’t know something
- act like I can walk on water
- think I deserve praise
Regrettably, I could probably go on and on with this list. I know I’m not the Messiah, but I sometimes act like I can do all things and should know all things. And, I admit that sometimes I like the praise of man and would have struggled were I John the Baptist and someone wondered if I were Elijah, a prophet, or even the Messiah. My pride likely would have captured me, at least momentarily. I’m sinful enough that I probably would have wanted others to know what these folks thought about me, even if they were wrong.
May God help me today to be more like John the Baptist, saying and truly believing, “I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals” (Mark 1:7).
ACTION STEPS:
- Think about whether you sometimes act like you’re the Messiah. If so, confess your heart.
- Pray throughout the day, “Lord, I am not worthy to be Your servant. Thank You for using me anyway.”
PRAYER: “God, I truly am not worthy. Help me to remember that fact.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 4:1-22; Mark 1:12-20; Luke 4:1-30; 5:1-11; John 1:35-2:12; Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6, Luke 5:1-11