John 1:31 “I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

 What do you want to do when you grow up? I know that that’s a hard question for many people. My children wrestled with the question. I don’t believe that any of them ended up in exactly the positions they once envisioned for themselves. I changed my own career plans during high school. Even in my adult life I have received calls that made me wrestle hard with what I should do. Did I want to teach at our college or seminary? Did I want to work as a synod administrator? Or should I remain a parish pastor?

John the Baptist’s career had been chosen for him before he was born. An angel told his father Zechariah what his life’s work would be before John was even conceived. Long before that, the Old Testament prophet Malachi had foreseen his career path. Simply put, John came so that “he (Jesus) might be revealed to Israel.” John was here to announce Jesus, explain him, and introduce him to the world.

Not all of us have been called to preach and teach full time. But if you believe that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes your sins away, the eternal Son of God who existed before all things, then you are here for a similar reason. Your career, your life, your path (no matter what it is) has been woven into Christ’s cause.

God has made you parents and grandparents to lead your children and grandchildren to know Jesus from the baptismal font and Sunday School. He has called you to live a godly life where you live and work, because your relationships and friendships may become an opportunity to share your faith. Your gifts and offerings help reveal Jesus to people all around the world.

The time you volunteer at your church helps to make him better known and understood in the community where you live. Whether you are conscious of the fact or not, everything you do, every moment you are awake, is part of your own mission project, because you see who Jesus is, and your life and faith reveals him to others.

When I became a homeowner, I became intrigued by the TV shows about real estate: House Hunters, Love It or List It, Property Brothers. Not everyone looking for a house has the “vision” to be able to see a home’s potential, to see past old carpet, unusual colors, and the current owner’s clutter. People who can see often get a good deal.

Not everyone perceives the value behind Jesus’ humble exterior. You see it by God’s grace. He takes away your sins. He is the God who loves you. Share the vision.