Represent

Big Idea: As disciples, we are representatives of the Kingdom.
John 1.6-7 (CSB): There was a man sent from God whose name was John. (7) He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 

Devotional: I know we haven’t known each other for too long, but I’m sure you’ve noticed that I will almost always be wearing a fishing shirt. However, I will not wear just any fishing shirt—it must a Columbia brand fishing shirt. We all have a thing about name brands, don’t we? We often prefer the name brand over the generic, and rightly so. We can spot the different between Pepsi and Coke, and Fruit Loops and Fruity-O’s. There’s nothing like the real deal. We also like to represent the good things and make sure that others know about it. For instance, the Coca-Cola design is recognized all over the world...but what about Jesus?
 
In today’s passage, we are told about John the Baptist—the last Old Testament Prophet and the cousin of Jesus. John was marked by his devotion to God’s Kingdom and was a witness about the things to come in and through Jesus Christ. He was a representative of the Kingdom and he was glad to speak the message.
 
What about you? Are you representing the Kingdom actively or passively —like a roadside billboard? When we represent, we do so gladly. May the gospel become known among every tribe, tongue, and nation (Rev. 7.9) as we endeavor to proudly represent the Gospel message of Jesus Christ!

For Reflection…
 
-How have you been representing the Kingdom of God during this season?
 
-Read John 1.19-42: What were some ways that John represented the Kingdom?
 
-Pray and thank God for the opportunity to speak the message to those you encounter.

We are citizens of a different kingdom, ambassadors representing Christ in a foreign land. —Randy Alcorn