Universal Utterings
for January 2, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
01-02-2026 John 1 v1928 One Among You Whom You Do Not Recognize
The Gospel of John Chapter 1 Verse 19 thru 28
19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites [to him] to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 23 He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
In John 1:19-28, we encounter a pivotal moment in the New Testament where John the Baptist boldly testifies about the identity of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders, aware of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, questioned John, seeking to understand his role. Rather than claiming to be the Christ, John humbly clarifies his mission: he is the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the One who is greater than himself.
Despite John’s clear testimony, many still did not recognize Christ when He came. This resistance to acknowledgment, even in the face of direct evidence, is not just a historical account but a contemporary reality. Today, many wander through life unaware of who Jesus is, dismissing His identity and His offer of salvation. Like the Pharisees and Levites, people often seek worldly solutions to spiritual questions, failing to recognize that Jesus is the answer.
John’s declaration calls us to reflect on our own perception of Christ. Who do we say Jesus is? He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, offering forgiveness and hope. In a world filled with uncertainty and despair, we are invited to surrender to Him, embracing the grace He freely offers.
When we recognize Jesus as the Messiah and accept Him into our lives, we find liberation from our burdens, forgiveness for our sins, and the promise of eternal life. It’s a transformation that begins with acknowledgment—acknowledging our need for Him and His rightful place as Savior.
As you ponder this message, I encourage you to seek Christ with an open heart. May you discover the peace and joy that come from a relationship with Him. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
01-02-2026 John 1 v1928
**One Among You Whom You Do Not Recognize**
In days of old, when silence reigned,
A prophet rose, with truth unchained;
From desert’s breath, his message clear,
A herald sent, the way to steer.
“Who are you, stranger?” they pressed with haste,
“Are you the Messiah, our longed-for grace?”
“I am but a voice,” he humbly proclaimed,
“In the wilderness calls, God’s love is named.”
He wore the garb of locust and skin,
A rugged soul where the wild winds spin;
With waters deep, he summoned the lost,
Baptizing hearts, despite the cost.
Among the throng, he stood out true,
Pointing beyond what the eye could view;
“Behold the Lamb!” cleared the dusty air,
The one who comes, beyond compare.
“There’s one who comes whose shoes I can’t bear,
With fire and spirit, he’ll meet us there;
I baptize with water, but hear this call,
He’ll immerse you in grace forgiveness for all.”
In echoes of faith, his words did ring,
Preparing the ground for the Christ, our King;
Amidst their doubts and veils of night,
He bore the torch, guiding to light.
So listen, dear heart, to the wilderness shout,
In every shadow, there’s faith and doubt;
For the voice of John still beckons us near,
To witness the wonder and banish our fear. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
January 2, 2026 @ 05:31 AM EST
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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**
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