“John the Baptist,” Stan began, “is another perfect example for me of what I am to do while I am becoming what God intends for me.”
“In what way,” I asked.
“Another John, the apostle John, in his gospel account states that once John the Baptist saw Jesus for who He is, he went forth to tell people about Jesus being the Son of God. I am to do the same thing.”
“In the case of John the Baptist, however,” Stan continued, “he actually saw Jesus with his own eyes. I have not seen Jesus in that way, but I have certainly seen Him with the eyes of my heart.”
“As we have talked about before,” he continued, “it took me a long time to see and to recognize, accept, and embrace the truth of Jesus as the Son of God, but I eventually did. And once it finally happened and I accepted the free gift of salvation, then began the part of being like John the Baptist.”
“Did that happen right away?” I asked. “Did you begin telling people about what you had seen about Jesus?”
“Not by any stretch of the imagination,” Stan replied. “No, sorry to have to admit, I was very slow in coming to the point of wanting to tell people what I had seen about Jesus, that He is, indeed, the Son of God.”
“And why do you think that was?” I asked.
“Same old story,” Stan responded. “Fear. Fear of being rejected, fear of not knowing what to say, lots of fear kept me quiet.”
“And how did you overcome that?” I replied.
“Being honest with God,” Stan said. “I got on my knees and told God what He already knew, that I was afraid. I confessed that I cared more about what other people thought than what He thought.”
“Did God respond?” I asked.
“He did,” Stan said. “He told me to give it all to Him, not just the fear, but all of me. Give it to the Holy Spirit for His leading, help, and counsel.”
“Did that make a difference?” I asked.
“It did,” Stan replied. “I would like to say that it immediately changed me and gave me all of the courage I needed, but it was a slow process for me. Bottom line is that I am just a slow learner! But learn I did. I’m still learning. And I pray that I will never stop learning as long as I am on this side of eternity. That’s what this side is supposed to be all about. Knowing God the Father and Jesus the Son.”
Concluding, he then said, “We are to see Jesus, however long it takes, and then go tell others what we have seen. How else will they know?”
_________________________________
And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. John 1:34.
And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus Himself alone. Matthew 17:8.
And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent. John 17:3.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your provision of life eternally with you when it is time for me to step into eternity. As you know, all too well, it took me a long time to accept your free gift of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I thank you for bringing me to the point of seeing and accepting the truth. I confess that too often I am reluctant to share that truth with others so they will know. Please forgive me of that reluctance. And please, Father, help me in following your lead in being as bold as you intend so others will be able to see what you have for them. Use me just as you want for your purposes. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you seen Jesus in the sense of accepting the truth of who He is? If not, why do you think that is? If you have seen Jesus in that way, what has that meant for you while you remain on this side of eternity? Have you told others what you have seen so they, too, may have the opportunity to see Him? If not, what is holding you back? Can you relate to what Stan said about being afraid to tell others? If so, what would it look like for you to give that fear to God?
Waiting for the Train 