John the Baptist (part 1 of 3)

John the Baptist, A man born with a destiny

            John the Baptist was a man that lived at the same time as Jesus. He had a ministry that preceded Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist had disciples, crowds of people that followed him around and a message about repentance. What makes John so remarkable though, is that his birth was foretold, his ministry announced and Jesus called him the greatest person every born (Matt 11:11). John was a man born with a destiny.

            This brings up the questions, what is a destiny? And do I have a destiny? 

A destiny is often thought to be something uncontrollable, a simple plan that life will follow automatically. However, destiny can be more closely represented by the truth that God knows all of us (Luke 12:6-7) and wants to participate in our lives (Eph 3:20). We all have a destiny. He had doubts about the message because he was old and his wife was advanced in years. We already know that they had been praying for children and now we see that their hope has waned.  It is a bold move on Zacharias’ part to ask an angel if what he says is really going to happen.  Is doubting the word of God an acceptable response? Can we ask for a sign? Based on what happens next the conclusion is that it is acceptable but perhaps not convenient. God has said that his word is a lamp to our feet and a light on our path (Psa 119:105). God will confirm his messages through the Holy Spirit and the Bible. 

The Revelation: A delivered message

John the Baptist was the son of a Priest named Zacharias, who received a message from God. The story is told in Luke 1:8-25 and it begins with a revelation in the form of a delivered message. Zacharias had been chosen at this occasion to be the priest going into the Temple to offer incense. He was chosen by casting lots according to the customs of the priesthood, this is interesting because of what happens to him. When a destiny is involved considering the source of the message is important. The scripture says that an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias while he was in the temple (1:11). This verse makes it clear that the Lord has a message for Zacharias.

 The message from God is delivered by an angel. God wanted Zacharias to hear his message so He sent an Angel. There are only a few accounts of angelic messages in scripture so the importance of the message is implied. The Gospel of Luke shows the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus with their similar birth announcements and how John would be part of the larger salvation scheme.[1] As the message was delivered the destiny began on earth, the destiny must have been prepared before the message could be delivered.The message was delivered to Zacharias the priest but why Zacharias? Who was this man that he should receive this message? The priesthood was not open to anyone, only descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi were allowed.[2]  Zacharias was following in the family business; he had accepted the responsibility to serve the community. Also, Luke’s retelling of the message reveals that Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were seeking God about having children (Luke 1:13). Zacharias was a man following and seeking after God and he received a message from God.

            Zacharias received a message that his wife would have a son and he would be called John.  This wasn’t all though, John was to be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb, and would bring people back to God (Luke 1:13-16). What a message, what a destiny. Is there a message for us about our destiny? There might not be an angelic visitation but God has left messages for us that pertain to destiny. The scriptures tell us that God knows every hair on our head (Luke 12:7), and Paul wrote that God is offering eternal life to anyone willing to accept it (Rom 6:23). These scriptures show that God has a general plan for everyone and even that God knows us all as individuals. God is with us, directing our steps, and caring for us.[3]

The Confirmation: a sign from God

            Zacharias received a message from an angel but he still asked for a sign (Luke 1:18-22). The message was confirmed with a sign which involved Zacharias losing his voice for a while.   The encounter in the temple had taken longer than expected and people were gathering to see what happened to Zacharias. When he came out and couldn’t speak they knew he had an encounter with God (Luke 1:22). When God delivers a message people will recognize the effects on the person who receives the message.

            The question can be asked, does God deliver messages today? The scriptures would lead us to believe that He does. Paul teaches that everyone should desire to prophesy and edify the church (1 Cor 14:4-5). Prophesy has always been considered to be a type of message from God. The Scriptures themselves are messages to us and God uses them to reveal Himself to us. There are messages for us that God is delivering. The key is to be aware of the living God and His interaction with us.

The realization: a destiny begins

            Zacharias goes home and his wife Elizabeth becomes pregnant (Luke 1:24). This conception is the beginning of the destiny of John the Baptist. The Destiny begins here and not at his birth to fulfill the message concerning John being filled with the Holy Spirit while in the womb.

            God revealed a great destiny for John the Baptist, but He did not withhold the joy of Zacharias and Elizabeth’s participation. Often when destiny is considered the idea is presented that God will make it happen, if it’s important. This story shows that God wants to use people who are seeking after him to complete His plans. Zacharias had a choice in this plan, it might have taken more will power than he had, but there was a choice. However, the desires of Zacharias and Elizabeth to have children were compatible with God’s plan to rise up a front runner to Jesus.[4]

            The plans of God are not ours to be completed in our power. God provided the message, completed a sign, and sent the Holy Spirit to John. These actions show that God has a desire to participate in the completion of His plans and our destinies.

Conclusion and Application

            A destiny may not be foretold like John the Baptist’s was, but even with such miraculous activity surrounding his birth not everything was revealed. We may not be able to state emphatically what our destiny is, but we can learn to recognize God working in our lives to reveal parts of it.  A good place to start figuring out destiny is with the promises of God and His desire that everyone would know Him. A destiny to know God and participate in His plan for the world is a life worth living.

[1] Paul W. Hollenbach, “John the Baptist” The Anchor Bible Dictionary: Volume 3  Freedman, David Noel. (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992),889.

[2] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 60.

[3] Andrew B. Davidson, The Called of God  Edited by J.A. Patterson  (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1902), 231.

[4] John Phillips, Exploring People of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007), 65.