“Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, expect that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me.’” –John 1:32-33a (NIV)
Because John was where God wanted him to be and was doing what he was supposed to do, probably the best thing that could ever be revealed, was revealed to him: Jesus Christ. When we are looking for and anticipating Jesus, we are blessed to see Him and know Him, maybe before anyone else. John was the first to recognize and know Jesus at the start of His ministry, in His adult life. John was the first to tell others about Jesus and be the first “witness.” If he wasn’t obeying God and listening to Him, he wouldn’t have recognized Jesus, and John admits that himself (vs. 33). But what’s even greater about John: he was “preparing the way” and preparing others to accept Jesus BEFORE he had a face-to-face, personal encounter with Jesus. He didn’t follow the signs or proof with belief and action; his actions and belief preceded any definite reality of Jesus’ existence. And then what was his reward? Not only did he see Jesus, not only did he meet him or speak with Him… he baptized Him in water and heard God’s voice firsthand. Learn to trust God before the encounter with Him… He never leaves anyway; He may just be harder to find sometimes. Never lose anticipation for Him.
