What Would John’s Life Verse Be?

September 2011 – Grace & Truth Magazine

What Would John The Baptist’s Life Verse Be?

Years ago, while visiting the cemetery where my parents are buried, I asked a woman at the next grave site if the verse on her husband’s stone was his favorite. She said he didn’t have a favorite verse; it was just one she chose from a list of “death verses” offered to her by the stone carver.

Today, the terms have changed. Instead of death verses, it’s popular for Christians to choose “life verses” that they identify with in some way. When I was asked recently what my life verse was, without hesitation I answered, “Walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Why? Because it was the verse that guided me in my decision, over 20 years ago, to accept the Lord’s invitation to serve Him at G&T. Since then that verse has helped me in many situations.

While editing this month’s Feature articles about John the Baptist, this life verse question came to mind: “What would John the Baptist have chosen as his life verse?” After some thought, I realized that John actually did choose his own life verse. When the priests and Levites asked, “Who are you? ... What do you say about yourself?” he quoted Isaiah 40:3, identifying himself as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” And John actually lived out his life verse, announcing to all who would listen, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:19-36).

As you read this month’s Feature articles, see if there is another verse you would select to describe John’s life. Then take some time to think about your own life, and what verse you would choose as your life verse. This spiritual exercise can help answer two important questions: Why did God put you here, and how do you want to be remembered?

By Larry Ondrejack