For thought and meditation

[rl69]

“I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matt 11:11-12).

John the Baptist did no miracles. Elijah performed miracle after miracle. Daniel interpreted dreams for kings and he and his friends impacted an entire nation. Jeremiah and Isaiah were two of Israel’s greatest prophetic voices. Jesus built his church through the twelve disciples. But Jesus made a profound declaration about this man who performed no miracles – He is the greatest among all the prophets.

Why did Jesus make such a claim? Because he did one very important thing – he fulfilled his purpose on earth in every way.

The disciples asked John the Baptist, “Are you the one we have been waiting for? John responded quickly, “No.” Then he made a profound statement: “A man can receive only what God gives him”(John 3:27). He had a complete understanding of why he was placed on earth.

Jesus proclaimed John the Baptist was the greatest because he (John) knew and fulfilled his purpose. The angel Gabriel described John’s purpose to his father: “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).

His purpose was absolutely necessary to be achieved in order to prepare the way for Jesus. Do you know why God made you? Are you fulfilling the destiny He has planned for you since the foundation of the earth?

Understanding your work life purpose is key to receiving your inheritance. Paul said no matter what kind of work you do, if God has called you to do it, you will receive an inheritance for doing it. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”(Col 3:23-25).

[GhostHawk]

Not yet, yet I know he has a plan for me. He has invested much time, work, energy, blessings into me for some purpose. But when I ask he simply says the time is not yet. This very morning I asked if I had committed any sin for which I needed to be forgiven, or left undone any deed required.

No, you are ready was the answer. All is well, bide until the hour.

Ok, maybe I be crazy but ok. It is well with my soul Lord. I am afraid I will fail, fall, lose faith.
But if you say wait, wait I shall. Thank you Lord for the many blessings which thou hast showered upon me.

[square butte]

It does my heart good to see John the Baptist mentioned - I don't even really know why. Thank you

[Blackwater]

Another great one, RL. I can't help but wonder how many of us ever really find out just what our purpose was in being born. It's taken me most of a lifetime to kind'a get an inkling of it, but mostly, I just try to view whatever's before me, and whatever comes to mind, from the perspective that this is God's will for me at that time, and I try to figure out what He wants me to do in that situation. I'm SO dense! It sometimes takes his heavy hand to get me to see what's right before me, but .... at least I'm willing to go upon His errand if he can get through my thick skull what it is that He wants of me.

Is anyone else like that, here?

[USMC87]

I agree Blackwater, A lot of people live as to having no meaning or purpose in life. Thank God that He gave me purpose and a life full of what He wants me to do. Amen for a great lesson.

[Pine Baron]

I never know for sure, but like Ghosthawk, I'm always ready, willing and able. Though, most times I can look back and DANG, it was His work!

[Blackwater]

Amen to THAT, PB! I know I can be SO hard to deal with sometimes. But God can and does deal with all of us. If there's a greater sign of His love for us, than the way He is SO patient with us, and encouraging, despite our various disabilities, I don't know what it might be. The more I realize just how much God truly loves us, the more humbled I become. I know very well I don't and couldn't ever "deserve" it. But boy! Am I ever grateful that He DOES! Even someone as lowly as me, He gives His love to, even when I can be awfully hard to send messages to, just for me to know His will! His love and patience seem to know no bounds, even dealing with a worm like me!