Who are you?
This is one of the most important questions in the world. For most, I don’t think it can be settled early. It often takes years to become genuinely self-aware, to know who you really are.
John the Baptist knew. When asked by others, “Who are you?” and then given opportunity to identify as a great prophet or even the Messiah Himself, John replied with a simple answer:
“I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said” (John 1:23 NASB).
A Voice
Nothing more. Nothing less.
His sole purpose in life was to prepare the way for the Messiah. Apparently, God knew this had to be done—that it was necessary, for the entrance of the Christ, for someone to call the people to see their sin and repent and look toward the coming Messiah.
In a similar sense in our day, God needs voices—strong men and women who will prepare the way for the coming of the manifest presence of God in revival and spiritual awakening …those who will, like John, remind people of their sin and their desperate need for God.
A Humble Voice
When he had great crowds following him and opportunity to take the credit, he responded that One was coming “whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” (v. 27). He had the spiritual maturity to not have his head turned by the adoration of a crowd.
There are few who can handle great usefulness. So many men are weaker here, unable to realize that every ability and opportunity they have is from God. John could continue to be used because he never stole glory from God.
A Preparatory Voice
John spoke faithfully, and multitudes heard. Then, one day, he looked up and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (v. 29).
He had done his job in preparing the way for Christ. And when Christ came, John quickly and gladly deferred everything to the Messiah.
Later, Jesus would say that no greater prophet than John had ever been born among men (Luke 7:28).
Who Are You?
That’s the compelling question. God knows; and if you humbly pursue Him, He will lead you right into great self-awareness and great usefulness for His kingdom.
It will take intentional time in His presence to see this fully—much attention to His Word and prayer.
One thing is for sure: You are not Jesus! So it would be wise to begin to defer to Him, pointing people to Christ and giving Him all the glory for anything that is accomplished in and through your life.