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The Birth of John the Baptist

The forerunner…..

Just as it sounds…forerunner is defined as: a person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else. This was the role of John the Baptist, to set the stage for the One who would follow.

My daughter, throughout her elementary, junior high and high school years followed her brother by three years. The name was uncommon enough that “everyone” knew who her big brother was…he was an athlete…she was a cheerleader; he made grades without effort, she struggled; he made friends and many of them easily, she was shy and introverted. So, she struggled…she cried…folks bullied….it was not fun. 

Perhaps the reverse was true for John: the one to follow him was the chosen one. Yet, John was special, a special birth announcement, a special set of parents with a special set of circumstances. And his birth…even more special as was his birth announcement and circumcision. “Everyone (who heard about the events of Zechariah and his inability to speak and then the ability to speak) said what is this child (John) going to be. For the Lord’s hand is with him”.  (Luke 1:66)

Yet, this special forerunner of our Lord and Savior understood his birth, his role, and his message. He understood who the ‘Son’ would be and what His birth and forthcoming words of hope would mean for a nation, for a world. 

He understood as he prepared the way for the One who would bring living water. 

He understood at Jesus baptism, as he heard the voice of God, “This is My Son”.

He understood as he faced a horrible death.

Oh, that we, this season, might be forerunners…oh that we would let NOTHING stop us as we share the price both John and Jesus paid.

Oh, that we might be obedient to all the Father asks.

Oh, that we might love and forgive as they did. That we might lead others to the one true God!

Dr. Sharon Souter
Professor, Scott & White School of Nursing, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor