Today's Purpose Made Clear

 Today’s Purpose Made Clear

Who comes to mind when we say, “He/She’s quite a character.”  I went to visit a long time friend a few days ago, someone I might identify as , “quite a character.”

We bump into another person who is “quite a character” in what we read today.  His name is John, often known as John the Baptist and the way he lived his life in God’s plan, during turbulent and uncertain times - despite being quite an unusual character – is a good example for us during our own turbulent times.

We first read about Jesus:

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome.

John 1:4-5

and then immediately John is brought onto the scene:

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

John 1:6-8

We’re not John the Baptist but God’s plan for our lives to have meaning and purpose today is just like John’s – to give witness to the light of Christ so others will believe.

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16

Heavenly Father, Our names are not John but we are those You have brought to this world for Your purposes just as John was brought to his day and his time. 

Every day You invite us to know You and to make You known so others can come to know You, know how kind and good You are, come to believe that You are God, give themselves to You and find light and life in You. 

We’re so privileged that You allow us to be part of this great ministry of representing You.  Like John we don’t have to be more or less than who we are. 

We can live simply and joyfully today as those who testify that we belong to You and You are the light of our life that provides guidance, stability, and peace. 

I know I’d be scared to ask frail and unpredictable people to represent me and have others form an impression of what kind of person I am by what they do and say, and yet that’s exactly the faith You have in us and the privilege You give to us. 

Help us to live into Your purpose for our lives today as we reflect Your amazing light and goodness to others.  Amen

Well, whether you are “quite a character” or not, let’s do our best to give witness to the light of Christ today.