Who Am I?

[John the Baptist] said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the LORD,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

John 1:23

God said, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Abraham said, in effect, “I am old” (Genesis 17:17). Jacob said, “I am Esau your firstborn” (Genesis 27:19). Moses said, “I am not eloquent” (Exodus 4:10). Gideon said, “I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). Ruth said, “I am a foreigner” (Ruth 2:10). Nehemiah said, “I am doing a great work” (Nehemiah 6:3). Jesus said, “I am the door, the light, the bread, the good shepherd” (John 10:9; 8:12; 6:35; 10:14). Paul said he was the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).

How would you answer the question “Who are you?” When John the Baptist was asked that question, he spoke without hesitation: “I am the voice.” John was not confused, and he did not stutter. He knew exactly who he was and what he was called to do. He was called to be “the voice”—to announce the coming of the Kingdom of God and of the Messiah of Israel. It didn’t bother John that he wasn’t the Messiah. The only thing that would have bothered him was not to speak clearly. John was a satisfied man, confident and content in his knowledge of himself.

Can you say the same about yourself? Take a moment and fill in the blank: “I am _____.” Then decide, “How happy am I with my answer?” If you’re not sure about either, ask God for His insight.

Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us.

A. W. TOZER