Work of John the Baptist

In His Name Devotionals
THE WORK OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

“To give knowledge of salvation unto his people. In the remission of their sins, Because of the tender mercy of our God. Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us, To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:77-79)

A vision of the work John was appointed to do:

To give knowledge of salvation. The great need of the world was to know what salvation is, and how it could be obtained—salvation not in sin, but from sin. Salvation to a perfect character that makes the Kingdom of God what it is whether on earth or in Heaven. “A perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) “Perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:17) “Perfect in every good work to do His will.” (Heb. 13:21) “Perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (Jas. 1:4) To be thus is salvation.

Forgiveness of sins—foundation of salvation . It is the removing of the penalty of sin—the taking away of the love of sin, the disposition to sin. It is reconciliation to God, taking away the barrier between our hearts and God. It is restoration to the family of God.

The Manifestation of God’s love. “Through the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:78) who “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This love is so marvelous that in thinking of it, we are lost in wonder, love and praise.

Light in darkness. “Whereby the dayspring...To shine upon them that sit in darkness...” (Luke 1:78, 79). The dawn of a new day in the darkness of sin that cannot see God, or Heaven, or goodness; in the darkness of ignorance, that do not know of any way of salvation, that cannot find God or heaven, even if they could see them, i.e., a hopeless, sad, painful darkness, full of dangers.

A guide. “To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79) Every one needs a guide through life even more than a ship needs a compass and a pilot. No one knows just where he is going in his life nor what dangers and difficulties he will meet, nor, often, which road to take at the parting of the ways.

A traveler who has scaled the Alps and knows all their paths, their difficulties and dangers, gives this advice out of his own experience, to anyone who would climb the Swiss Mountains:

1. Get a guide

2. Get the best guide

3. Get a guide who has been tested and tried

4. When you have found him, engage him quickly

5. Then trust yourself unreservedly to his guidance

6. Do exactly as he tells you, step where he steps, stop when he stops; go when he goes.

John the Baptist pointed out such a guide in Jesus Christ and His teachings.