Time magazine asserted in 2007 that “The Bible has had more impact than any book in human history on literature, history, entertainment and culture than any other work of literature”. That claim can hardly be refuted; few other works can rival its influence – with such classic phrases like “an eye for an eye”, “thou shalt not kill”, and “eat, drink and be merry”. Furthermore, its global reach can be felt across cultures as disparate as India and Australia; its pages brim with wisdom and timeless truths that can only come with religious texts like the Bible.
But the Bible contains much more than teachings, histories and stories; it serves as an historical record of God’s interaction with his people and how He has fulfilled his promises to mankind – one beautiful illustration being John the Baptist’s life story.
John the Baptist was born of miraculous signs, prophecy, and fulfillment. An older couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had been struggling to conceive a child, received word from an angel that their promise of having a son would come true – not only any normal baby boy either – but specifically one that would herald in Messiah himself! God used John to remind His people He remembered them by keeping His promises; in addition to reigniting longing amongst His people to see his coming again soon enough!
At the birth of Zechariah’s child, priests and relatives wanted to honor his name by naming it after himself; but since he could no longer speak they had difficulty asking what name should be chosen; eventually they made gestures asking what name would best fit him; in response he asked for a writing tablet and wrote on it “John is his name!”
Once John could speak freely again, people were amazed at his powerful words and understood he had been blessed by God to speak of Jesus’ coming as their savior and baptize Him, something which we will explore further in another article.
John was an influential herald of Christ and God’s plan to redeem His people, preaching “Prepare the way of the Lord” while drawing large crowds with his preaching. Unfortunately, Herod, governor of Judea at that time, killed John after objecting to his illegal marriage with Herodias (Mark 6:14-29). Today Christians commemorate John by fasting on June 24th on his feast day and placing twigs and fir trees around their home to honor John the Baptist as we strive to follow His example as loving servant of God!
