John 10:39-42

John 10:39-42 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.

In this passage, Jesus goes back across the Jordan where John used to baptize people. As He makes himself available, many people came to him. The people declare of him: Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true. Jesus went where the Holy Spirit guided him and declared unceasingly: All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. (John 6:37-38) Do we confess our faith in such a way? Do those who know us outside of a church context see Christ shining through us? Have we allowed the Holy Spirit to change us to the point people are attracted to the Christ in us? John the Baptist, a voice crying in the wilderness, brought people to repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. Even as John baptized Christ, the Spirit commissioned Jesus to do the works of the Father. Are we fulfilling our assignments: ministering, loving, helping, listening, speaking, shining in his name? Do our families, neighbors, and co-workers, approach us because we have something to offer? We lead people to confusion rather than salvation when we do not walk our talk. We should reveal Christ through our choices, conversations, activities, and attitudes. It matters what we do when we are in the limelight and have an audience, even an audience of one, when that person is looking for answers or has a deep longing for something that satisfies.

If our actions and words are embedded in fleshly desires or if we often behave exactly as everyone else does, we miss countless opportunities as testimonies of God's saving grace and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. If people don't see God's mighty work in us, we will never have the following words said about us: And in that place (where he/she lived) many believed in Jesus. We should be different from the world. John's life measured up to his proclamations; our lives should measure up to our confession of salvation. By faith, we should live upright lives, lives of love and sacrifice for others. We should be generous with our money and time as dedicated servants. Even though John never performed a miraculous sign, people followed him, believed his words. He prepared the way for people to accept Jesus. When Jesus crossed back over Jordan to where John had lived, many people came to him. And in that place many believed in Jesus. John's life verified his words; our lives should verify our confession about Christ. Miraculous signs and wonders are amazing, but people want to see Christ in us. We must confess with our brother Paul: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20) If we make that choice whether we feel like it or not, if it's convenient or difficult, in the sad times and during the happy ones, when we are well or chronically ill, each of us will bear fruit unto righteousness. We will impact the world around us for Christ.

Sometimes media evangelists share stories of amazing miracles to bring people to Christ and to make their ministries more visible. At times investigative reporters prove those stories false or grossly exaggerated and publish their findings. But people often chase after such ministries, seeking wonderment that dazzles the eye. The world needs to see consistent Christianity lived out through believers of integrity, loving one another rather than gossiping or criticizing, bringing peace into the room instead of tearing down, helping the poor and the needy instead of chastising the down and out. A lost generation won't be found by people hating the government and their elected officials. The hungry and thirsty look for a chosen people, full of Christ's character who are ambassadors of his love: overflowing with his mercy, grace, and living water. As children of the Most High; therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter13-16) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:11,12) Beloved friends, bless you today!