I've been thinking about John the Baptist lately. At Christmas time, naturally, our thoughts gravitate to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who came from heaven to earth to save us all from our sins. But who was it that God chose to "prepare the way" for Jesus? You got it, John the Baptist. This week we are going to take a look at this beloved Bible character. We will probably see some of ourselves in him.

Someone once said, "It takes more grace that I can tell to play the second fiddle well." Notice, not just "play the fiddle" but "play the second fiddle." And not just "play the second fiddle" but "play the second fiddle well." Jesus played first chair in the violin section of God's marvelous symphony. John was chosen to play second chair - and he did it well.

Let's start by looking at a passage familiar to most of us, Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV). "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.' This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"  

What an honor it must be to have your name connected with biblical prophecy! Our friend John was spoken of by the great prophet Isaiah. John was not the voice crying in the wilderness but a voice. He had one of the toughest assignments in the world - trying to make straight paths for the Messiah to walk upon. That's why he had to preach the message of repentance, a message no one wants to hear or heed even today!

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your servant John to prepare the way for Jesus. We want to be used by You as well. Prepare our hearts to prepare the way for Jesus and His Kingdom. In His name we pray.