“I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’”
John 1:33
No sooner had Shasta crossed the threshold of the gate belonging to the Hermit of the Southern March did he receive an unwelcome directive, “…waste no time questions, but obey. This damsel is wounded. Your horses are spent. Rabadash is at this moment finding ford over the Winding Arrow. If you run now, without a moment’s rest, you will still be in time to warn King Lune.”1
Previously, Shasta had successfully warded off a fatal lion’s attack on his friend, Aravis. Now, exhausted and spent, he is charged with pressing on his journey with whatever strength and energy remain.
Finally arriving at the company of King Lune, Shasta gaspingly exclaims, “Are you K-King Lune?” “Lord King–fly–Anvard–shut the gates–enemies upon you–Rabadash and two hundred horse.”2
On the truth in Shasta’s face, King Lune heeds the warning and briskly makes his way back to the gates of Anvard.
Shasta’s obedience to the Hermit’s instruction ultimately brought a blessing to him and the inhabitants of Archenland.
God sent John the Baptist to baptize in water until he saw the Spirit descend and remain upon the One specific person. This sign would confirm to John that this is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
“The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.” John 1:29-32
God gave John instructions. He obeyed. God blessed him with the honor of the Messianic pronouncement, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
God gave John instructions. He obeyed. God blessed him with the honor of the Messianic pronouncement, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- In heaven, there is perfect obedience.
- So that when I obey, in a sense, I am bringing heaven to earth.
- The experience, “…on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
What’s the first step toward faithful obedience? God has given us His Word for “…teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16b-17.
In what areas are you struggling to obey God according to His Word?
Confess. Return. Obey. Trust.
1 Lewis, C. S, and Pauline Baynes. 1994. The Horse and His Boy. 1st HarperCollins ed. The Chronicles of Narnia, Bk. 3. New York: HarperCollins. p. 155.
2 Ibid. p. 166.