Made for This MomentSample

MADE FOR THIS MOMENT: JOHN THE BAPTIST

Preparing the Way

READY

And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.--John 1:17

SET

Only God would choose a barren mother and an elderly father to bring forth one of the greatest prophets of all time. But why now and why at this moment? This was the moment of God’s choosing because the vessel that would carry the Savior was finally of age and ready to be used. The time of Jesus’ arrival was nearing, but according to the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3, there had to be a forerunner. Now enters John.

As I read the scripture about John the Baptist, it became more and more evident that he held one of the most significant positions in all of scripture. He would be the opening act for God’s greatest story. John is both the great example and the great exception, positioning the One for greatness by becoming Heaven's greatest usher and ushering in God's best to position us for success.

Have you ever known that you would be the one to create, position, and place others but that the work you did would not be for you but for those who would follow you?

I know what you're thinking, but this is the story of my life. All too often, God has allowed me to start or build something but never take it to the next level, never be able to go all the way through. I often wondered why until I ran into John the Baptist, dripping with prophecy over his head, infused with the Spirit and power of Elijah, filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb! Why? “To make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). Did you see that? He was born to make people ready for the Lord; I want that! I want to position people, prepare their hearts, and help them prepare for a coming King. No more complaining about what could have been, should have been, or might have been. I am in good company with Elizabeth's son. John the Baptist is essentially Heaven's greatest center mid. What is the role of a real center mid? To assist you, to recognize when you are open, to prepare the atmosphere but ultimately to help you get in a position to finish.

When you are out of position, you cannot position anyone else. God is prompting you and me to walk in the role He created for us.

GO

• Are you ready to be God’s forerunner, preparing the way?
• Do you recognize the importance of the moment He has called you to?

WORKOUT

Luke 1:11-17, John 1:6-9; 19-23

OVERTIME

God, help me to recognize the moment you’ve called me to. Help me to understand the importance of my position, and continue to prepare me as I prepare others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.