John the Baptist's camel-hair cloak should not be confused with an woven garments found in any of our stores today. His was most likely tanned, hairy hide held together by a leather belt. (who knows what that leather was, but I can assure you it didn't have any bling).
He preached in the stark setting of the wilderness, not a fancy building. He was well known for his not-so-gentle speeches. His diet was well not so great, locusts and wild honey. (Dual Survivor stuff). By the way, I really like this guy. A real man's man of the Bible.
Though these facts alone set John apart from other religious men, it was his single-minded dedication to his calling that etched his name in history. John never forgot his purpose. When John's disciples left to follow Jesus, his loyal friends complained bitterly, yet John assured them that was exactly what he hoped would happen. He wanted to decrease so that Christ could increase. His whole mission in life was to point the way to Jesus. When God gives us a particular ministry, it is easy to assume ownership. We birth it. We pray over it. Yes our calling waas never ours in the first place. Just as John the Baptist's, our purpose is to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. I know too often we seem to get off track with this sort of thinking and make these grand plans in His name. My only question to you today is "Are you pointing others to Christ in what you are doing in His name?" No matter the outcome for you? Think about it?
Lord, thank you for the ministry you have entrusted in me. If others praise me, help me to remember that my one purpose should be that your gospel is proclaimed and you are exalted. In everything I do, may I be a stepping-stone instead of a stumbling block so that others may come to know you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name. Amen
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