Im reading through the book of John at the moment as part of our church’s 21 days in John. I was struck by a thought I had when reading about the story of John the Baptist. John declares whilst baptizing people that he had no idea who the Messiah was – it was only revealed to him by God when the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus. Now Jesus was 30yrs old and JTB was only 6 months older than him. They were related. They would have known each other growing up. Possibly very close. Both sensing the call of God on their lives. Probably discussing scripture in depth for years and years. JTB had no idea his cousin Jesus was the Son of God! Can you imagine his surprise when Jesus walked towards him in the desert and the Spirit of God revealed to him Jesus ‘ true identity??

It got me thinking… Here’s two friends completely sold out to the plans God had prepared in advance for each of them to do. John the Baptist knew his purpose for living was to herald the coming of the Messiah. He knew his calling was to be in many respects, 2nd violin. It just so happened that 1st violin – the soloist, was to be his cousin – Jesus!

He could’ve been easily annoyed or disheartened! How come Jesus got to be the Messiah? How come I have to be 2nd violin? But he wasn’t like that. He was faithful to God’s call on HIS life… Right to the very end of his life.

Unlike John, I often used to let my mind go to unhealthy places. Knowing God had called me to play 2nd violin ( and in many respects we ALL play 2nd violin to someone… ) How come Reuben Morgan gets to write songs that change the way we worship on planet Earth? Sure Tim Hughes is a great guy, really humble, but so am I! It’s not just those thoughts. I often think… I’m an ok photographer but I wish I could take shots like Renita Stuart or Sommer Atkinson… I wish I could get my colours to pop like the ones on fotopastele.it

I’m a good video producer but I wish I had the skills of Saloman… Or the myriad of others who post inspiration for me everyday on Vimeo.  I understand a bit of web code but i wish i could code like Macca or Timmy Carden. I can hold a tune but I wish My voice was good enough to carve a niche like Jeff Buckley, or Gotye, or that guy from Boy & Bear or even James Taylor. I wish I could play drums like Brad Lipsett. I wish I knew lights like Andrew Knight. I wish I could play piano like Matty Faulkner and Sammy Perrott. I wish I could dance like Justin Timberlake. No Seriously… I really wish I could dance like JT…

I could go on. But the reality is, God didn’t make me to run their race. He created me to run mine. And the more time I sit around wishing I was running theirs, I fail to fulfill the things God wants ME to do. And 99% of the time I’m really content being me. And I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people I wish I could be more like, because that’s inspiring! I thrive on inspiration, and you should too!

The irony of the life of John the Baptist is spelled out by Jesus in Matthew 11:11

” I tell you the truth: Among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; ( First Violin ) yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he…” ( Oboe!! )

One final thought… I think God made everyone to be 1st violin at something… So find out what it is, and do it for the Glory of God…