I was reading in the Gospel of John this morning; there is a section in the first chapter where John the Baptist is introduced. The Jewish priests and Levites are sent to question John, to find out who this lately appeared “witness bearer” is. They question him, “Who are you?” And John, from the reality of his own self-awareness, answers these fact-finders, “I am not the Christ.” He went on to assure them that he was not Elijah or the Prophet. The religious envoy press their inquiry, “Who are you? What do you say about yourself?”

This is such an intriguing question. They are touching on the very unique and personal identify of this man who has become a focal point of interest in Israel. And John’s answer is very insightful. John said, “I am…” and then he quotes a passage from the old testament scriptures. “I am ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness: make straight the way of the LORD.’ “

I found this so exciting; John found himself, his identity and purpose, perfectly explained in the Holy Scriptures! This got me to thinking. Do I see myself explained in God’s word? It’s quite a knowledge and a security and a confidence to be able to point to a scripture and say, “That’s me! I know that’s me!”

John was one individual involved in the unfolding purpose of God; and the scripture concisely and perfectly describes the calling and direction and meaning of his life and work. Through God’s word he found exactly where he “fit in”. What a wonderful thing!

What about our lives? Surely God has just as specific a purpose for each one of us. The confession of John provokes me to consider myself and search God’s word with these questions: “Where do I fit in?” “What scripture or passage perfectly tells me who I am and reveals to me God’s specific call and purpose for my life?” May God grant us to see ourselves defined in His word; may we make our own personal discovery of our true identity and life’s purpose; may we see how we “fit in” to God’s great plan in Jesus Christ.