History is littered with one-hit wonders. Whether in music, sports, business, or politics, some people rise quickly and fade even faster. It’s no different in ministry. An author/speaker bursts onto the scene, and their platform explodes. Then just like that, they disappear. They were used for a season by God to reach the masses. John the Baptist was used for a season to ready people for Jesus.
JOHN 5:35
“He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.”
Basked in the Brightness
It would be easy to think this verse standing by itself is about Jesus. He is described as the “light of the world,” but this is actually about John the Baptist. Jesus is telling the crowd that he doesn’t need man’s witness or testimony to validate His ministry, but God did send John the Baptist. While he was alive, the people basked in the brightness of his light. He was new and was willing to challenge the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.
Come and Go
People come, and people go. For a few, God gives them international ministry to which people flock. As I write this, it would’ve been the 103 birthday of Billy Graham. Reverend Graham reached more people with the Gospel than any other person in history. Millions of people came to a saving relationship with Jesus through his preaching. Even Billy Graham’s time came to an end. We can’t put our hope in people. It has to be in Jesus.
Used for a Season
You won’t go wrong if you put your hope in Jesus Christ. Every human, because they are flawed by sin, will disappoint you. Eventually, if you base your faith upon some preacher or church, you will get hurt. If you can roll with the trials by understanding that people are flawed, you will survive. John’s light shined brightly for a brief time, but Christ’s light shines forever.