There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:6-8

John the Baptist was a forerunner. His mission was to point people to the One who was to come.

In our generation, there are many disciples of Jesus who have a similar calling – to prophetically prepare the way of the Lord, and point people to Jesus.

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I felt this calling in kind of a unique way. So … my basic story is worship changed my life.

The anointing for writing worship songs came suddenly on me when I was in my mid-thirties. The flow was so strong, I was writing several songs a day for months. Most of them I intended to be evangelistic songs of testimony. This was one of the ways my light shined.

The first album of these songs was called “A Friend of John’s”, and John 1:6-8 was the guiding verse and featured artwork on the back cover.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:6-8

Our calling is the same as John the baptists, to proclaim Christ as the light of the whole world, to show people Jesus is not limited to a chosen few. This is an assignment for all lovers of God. This is even more true if you serve in worship ministry.

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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his followers to walk in their new identity as light bearers:

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

Letting your light shine is a choice of lifestyle and attitude. It’s not always easy, but it is possible. When tensions and conflicts and troubles prevail, we have to choose the heavenly perspective.

The Lord’s love for you is everlasting.

“I [the Lord] have loved you with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord’s faithful, everlasting, tender loving and concern for us is reason to “let go” of current troubles. Believe the Lord is working it all out for good. That’s reason enough to have peace of mind and rejoice authentically.

Let nothing steal your joy. Then your light will shine and you will indeed be a witness to the light. You too will be “a friend of John’s”.

Prayer:

Yes Lord, let me be a light today and like John the Baptist, point people to Jesus. Amen!

Daily Worship Devotionals is a 5-minute podcast dedicated to studying the Word of God and hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. Currently we are following the Christian year calendar as our framework. We’re in the season of Epiphany – the Season of Light and exploring the early life of Christ.