7 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? 8 Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. 9 What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. 10 He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.' 11 "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. 12 For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. 13 But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. 14 Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah. 15 "Are you listening to me? Really listening?
Matthew 11:7-15(The Message)
Jesus, referring to John the Baptist as “the best prophet you’ll ever hear” encourages me this morning as I contemplate my job and rewards that are realized as a result of my work. John the Baptist played an integral part in paving the way for the redemption of the world; God used his life in a major way and yet John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, ate off of the land and clothed himself with the skins of animals. John the Baptist had a rich, fulfilling life that did not include material things at all. No, John’s worth and fulfillment and joy came from serving the God that he loved and from knowing that his life was making an impact on the world around him. And Jesus says here in verse 11 that if you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart of hearts and thus have entered into the Kingdom of God, then your life is even more valuable and more important for the advancement of Christ than John the Baptist’s was. God has a plan for all of us today to be used by Him in incredible ways and we have all been masterfully designed with talents and gifts and abilities to play out our part, and joy and fulfillment in this life come only from doing just that and not from any monetary reward that we may or may not receive in this fallen world. So, be encouraged today through the example of John the Baptist, know that you are deeply loved that you have been masterfully created to do the work of the King today as you let His love flow through you onto a fallen world. Be filled today with the joy that comes from knowing God and keep your focus on Him as it is only in acting out your purpose for the kingdom that abundant life can be found. Keep looking up today as you live your life for the King!
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