"John responded, 'No one can receive a single thing unless it's given to him from heaven.
You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of Him.'
He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice.
So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.'"
-John 3:27-30, Holman Christian Standard Bible
The verses above are an excerpt of John's account of part of John the Baptist's story. It's neat to see how John the Baptist points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in his response to some people's question about purification. He sees that his purpose is to prepare the way for Christ to come.
That was John the Baptist's unique mission, but I think it applies to Christians as well. We are followers of Christ, through thick and thin, because God has changed us. This is not because of what we have done but because of what Christ has done, as He died for what we've done against God, so we can have a good relationship with Him. How can we share with others who Christ is? We can share what the Holy Spirit has taught us about God in our own everyday life, invite people to join the body of Christ, and be with people as they want help understanding the Word of God.
I pray God gives us a heart like John the Baptist, who gladly points up to Christ. I pray He gives us courage and wisdom to share this great news with others.
(illustration above by Trish York - http://www.trishyork.com/banners.html)
