Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

This verse we read today belongs in the second-to-last chapter of the Old Testament. God is reminds Israel that He is sending His Savior and will send a messenger before Him to pave the way. This messenger is none other than John the Baptist. Not only was Jesus prophesied about, but so was His messenger.

LEARN

God chose John the Baptist to live a life of humility. His purpose was to pave the way and exalt someone greater who was to come. It’s hard to imagine that this would have been an easy thing for John to embrace initially. John even wrestled with his own doubts of Jesus, as many of us do. Ultimately, He understood His purpose and made his priority pointing others to Jesus.

APPLY

Imagine just how challenging it would be if your life purpose were to exalt and pave the way for your cousin or even a sibling. What a shot to your pride that would be! John was able to get past it because he saw the bigger picture. Humility can be so difficult when we view ourselves as being at the center of the universe. But when we remind ourselves of the scheme of God’s plan for this world, exalting our selves seems so insignificant. Make sure you are exalting the one who has an eternal impact on the lives of others, rather than yourself.