Called to Greatness
Even though John felt unworthy, he would be called to greatness.
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”’, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ - Mark 1:1-8
John probably had no idea Jesus would come to him to be baptized, when it is Jesus who has the power to baptize with the Holy Spirit, not John.
The lesson here may be that those who humble themselves may find they are called to do amazing things.
If we can manage to stay humble, to downplay our importance, what could we be called to do that would be more than we might expect of ourselves?
We might think that all of us cannot be called to greatness like John, and yet why not? Didn't Jesus say those who humble themselves will be exalted?
In God's kingdom, the greatest are the ones who serve, who choose to do for others before they do for themselves. That is the secret of greatness.
As we make our way through this day, let us try to see ourselves as potentially great. If we believe we are possible of doing wonderful things, we will be ready when the opportunity arises. Like John, we will find ourselves worthy.
More to come...