How to be Great to the Lord

By Bishop Keith A. Butler

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Matthew 11:11

John the Baptist is the first cousin of the Lord Jesus Christ. But, Jesus didn't say this about John the Baptist simply because they were cousins-family. He said it because John the Baptist was no slouch! He was called and anointed for greatness and Jesus knew it. You see, his ministry was a forerunner to the Lord's earthly ministry. Let's look closer.

Re-read that scripture above in Matthew 11:11 again. Meditate on that for a minute. Notice that the Lord Himself says that of men born of women, there is none greater than John the Baptist. Wow. Selah. That's a lot of men to be compared to! But, in Jesus' eyes, John the Baptist was greater than any other. Greater than Moses. Greater than Elijah. Greater than Elisha. Greater than any other prophet you could think of. John the Baptist, Jesus is saying, was the greatest man to walk on earth other than Himself.

Well, that's quite a compliment, wouldn't you say? But, why would Jesus say that? We see an answer in Luke 1:39-43. It reads,
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (KJV)

So, as a baby still in his mother's womb, John the Baptist knew the Lord. He knew that his mother was in the presence of the Lord-Who was Himself still in His mother's womb. John the Baptist was anointed and filled with the Holy Ghost, the scripture says, even before he was born, and even before the Lord Jesus was physically born on earth. Now that's special! No songs were sung. No preaching was said. No teaching was heard. No testimonies were given. No. John the Baptist simply perceived the Savior and received Him. And from that moment, he was anointed and called to greatness.

And what about you? What does the Lord say about you? When you got born again, you became alive with the life of Christ and were positioned, just like John the Baptist, to point the lost to the love of Jesus. John the Baptist had a very special ministry call and assignment on his life, and so do you. Does that mean that you or everyone born again has a pulpit ministry? No. But, it does mean that we all have very special assignments to fulfill for the Lord. Who knows? That man on the street you minister to may be called to have a great healing ministry. Or that woman on the job might be called to have a great evangelism ministry. You might minister to the next Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, or Kenneth E. Hagin. So, like John the Baptist, have the Lord Jesus call your walk here on earth great: perceive Him, receive Him, and minister His love.

Prayer for Today

Father,
I give you glory and honor this day. I humble myself before You and pray that Your plan and purpose for my life and for this day be fulfilled. I pray that my thoughts, words and deeds are pleasing in Your sight. Direct my footsteps and strengthen me to minister Your love today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Confession

Jesus is my Lord and I am filled with His power and greatness. He has called and anointed me to do great things by ministering His love. So, I will show out His love today. Greater is He Who is in me, so I will not shrink back. I have the mind of Christ, my words are seasoned with salt and my steps are anointed. I say this by faith in Jesus' name. Glory to God!

Selah: Think on These Things

• 1 John 4:41
• John 14:12