Before Jesus, another baby was born who had a special purpose in God’s kingdom. This baby’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were older and had been unable to have children. An angel speaks to Zechariah to tell him about the future arrival of his son, who will be named John. The angel says of John (in Luke 1:15a-17 NLT),
“He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
That is exactly what John, later known as John the Baptist, grows up to do. His specific assignment and purpose were to pave the way for Jesus. He called for repentance and helped people to return to God.
What I love about John is that he was content in this purpose. He didn’t try to steal the show or the role of Savior from Jesus. In Mark 1:7-8 NLT he says,
“Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John knew who God made him to be and he was comfortable and content in his role.
John knew who God made him to be and he was comfortable and content in his role.
We can learn to do the same. Before we’re ever born, God has shaped and formed us for specific assignments and gifts. We’re a one-of-a-kind creation and God has special purposes and plans for each one of us. We can stop comparing our gifts and assignments with those of other people. When we do, I think we’ll find ourselves more comfortable and content in who God made us to be.
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, the apostle Paul talks about this very thing: the church is one body made up of many parts. All parts are vital and important yet fulfill different roles. If all the parts were the same, the body wouldn’t function properly. In verse 18 he says,
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
So be the very best you that you can be! Be free to live out your assignment and gifts as only you can. You are needed in this world. You are important!
