We can see from the story of John the Baptist’s birth that God has a plan for His children. John would fulfill a predetermined purpose for God. He was forbidden to drink wine as a vow of consecration to God.
Luke 1: 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” [1]
John the Baptist Fulfilled Prophecy
God had prophesied a messenger who would precede the coming of the Messiah. Malachi 3:1 Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies…4: 5 “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”[2]
John came like Elijah had come. He was to denounce ungodliness, preach repentance, and call the people back to their covenant with God. This would prepare hearts to receive the message of Jesus. Those who listened and obeyed John’s message would be ready to receive their Messiah.
Each of Us Has a Purpose
There was only one John the Baptist. While we may not be able to point to prophecy for our purpose in life, each of us has a God given purpose. God inspired David to write a song about this. Psalm 139: 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [3]
The Holy Spirit filled John from birth. As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit fills us when we come to faith. The same Spirit that empowered and guided John empowers and guides us. We can ask God for His purpose and will for our lives, and He will answer. Psalm 138: 8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. [4]
Our most fulfilling life is the one that follows God’s will. God has a plan for His children. To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-children
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.