John 1:6,7 “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.”
Purpose: the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
As we look at the introduction of John the Baptist, he is characterized and defined by one thing; his purpose! John the Apostle, the author of this gospel certainly could have used other defining characteristics to show us who John the Baptist was. However, by divine inspiration, he chose to tell us that John the Baptist was a man chosen and sent from God to fulfill a purpose, a reason for existence.
So often amongst young adults, teenagers, and even middle aged adults; when we look at our selves in the mirror, one question always comes to the forefront of our minds: What is my purpose? Why was I born? Why does God see fit for me to exist? If that question has not come up in your thoughts; don’t worry, it soon will!
As we look at the scriptures, we see that our purpose is the same as John’s; to bear witness of the Light! Who is that Light? In verse nine we know that Jesus Christ is “that Light.” Our purpose, our reason for existence is to show others the Light; Jesus Christ!
Like many other times we might even question; why? Well, as we continue reading in verse 7 the Bible is clear why. “That all men through him might believe.” This makes me think of my 3 year old, Peyton. I can give him a task, a purpose, and his automatic response is; why? It doesn’t matter that I simply told him, he wants to know the reason behind it. Isn’t this how we often treat God? He tells us to be the light in a dark world, to show others to Jesus. He gives us purpose, and what is our automatic response? “Why Lord?” Thankfully, He is a God of patience and understanding, so He gives us the answer before we have time to ask! “There is a world that I created, a world that I died for, a world that is in darkness; tell them I am the Light, that they might believe!”
What a purpose! Young person, stop wasting your life searching for some “hidden” purpose for your life! Stop wasting your existence on things that will not satisfy and fulfill your life! Allow the Lord to use you for your intended purpose. Life is so much more exciting when you do. There is no amount of money, there is no girlfriend, boyfriend, car, or job that will satisfy. Things might bring temporal pleasure, but fulfilling the purpose that God has blessed you with; will satisfy your soul!
Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24
www.stephenunderwood.net
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