John 1:6-7
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
Such a simple, short introduction to one of the most recognizable, and arguably important, characters in the gospel story. Two things, however, that stand out in this terse introduction.
First, John was sent from God. He did not speak of his own accord or under his own authority, but rather was called, commissioned, and sent from God.
Second, he came to witness. That is, he came simply to tell what he saw, experienced, felt, and knew first hand. John came as a witness and, in particular, he came to witness to the light.
So here’s a question: do you think John (the Evangelist) is only talking about the man sent from God named John? Or might he also be talking about us? Okay, so John (the Evangelist) probably did have John (the Witness) in mind, but I still think it might apply to us.
Because in our Baptism we have also been called by God. We have been called, commissioned, and sent, empowered and equipped by God to do something. And the thing we’re called to do is to witness: to share with others our experiences, feelings, and beliefs. And we actually do that all the time. We share our support for sports teams or political candidates, we offer our feelings about current issues, and more.
But, like John, we’re called by God also to witness to the light. Which doesn’t mean that we have to corner unsuspecting friends and co-workers and ask them whether they’ve given their heart to Jesus or know where they’ll spend eternity. Rather, it’s about sharing our hope, our experience of church, why our faith matters.
I realize this is new for many of us, perhaps even sounds uncomfortable. But I believe, with practice, we can do it. We can, that is, talk about what matters most to us – questions of meaning and purpose, our relationships – in light of our faith, of what happens in our congregational lives, and our faith.
One last thing about John: he was sent from God to witness to the light…in order that others might find faith and life. And that’s what just might motivate us as well. That as we share something of ourselves and our hope in God, others might find and discover hope, faith, and life in Christ.
Prayer: Dear God, invite us to name why our faith is important and create in us the courage to share it with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Post image: Detail of St. John the Baptist from the “Isenheim Altarpiece” by Matthias Grunewald
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