Are You the One?

John wondered if he had fulfilled his purpose. It is John, the relative of Jesus, the baptizer, to whom I refer. According to Luke 1:17, God intended for John to serve as the forerunner, the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah. He was to call people to repentance so that they would be ready when the Lord arrived. Luke 3 records John's ministry, how he commanded the people to repent and instructed them about specific sins, and how to leave them behind. Luke 3:18-22 summarizes the remainder of John’s ministry by relating his imprisonment and the baptism of Jesus. Dedicated Bible students recognize through hindsight that John accomplished God’s purpose for his life and ministry, but hindsight is the benefit possessed by those in the future, not the present.

In Luke 7:18-23, John heard reports about Jesus' ministry and the miracles He was performing, so he sent messengers to ask whether Jesus was the one they had been expecting or if someone else was coming. Jesus responded with undeniable evidence that He was the Messiah, the One they had been expecting. Jesus was the Lord, the one for whom John had cleared the way. Jesus did not balk at John’s question. John was in prison and was unable to go anywhere without Herod’s command. John would die in Herod’s care. He wanted to know whether he had fulfilled God’s purpose for himself or if his work of preparation was to continue. Jesus made it clear by His miracles that John had done what he was supposed to do.

Most people do not have direct prophecies attached to their lives, but that does not mean their lives are without purpose. God has prepared good works for each person to find and do (Eph. 2:10). Let each of us be as concerned with fulfilling God’s purpose for our life as John was. Even though you may see death not far away, remain vigilant and diligent in your service to God.