"Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God." John was a true servant of our Creator; no more, no less. His work was never about ego, numbers, effectiveness, or any of the other attributes we use to measure lives and ministries today. He simply spoke Truth and did what God asked, no matter the cost. There is beauty and grace in such a life. We may view him as just the opening act for someone bigger, but I doubt Jesus saw him that way. I am quite certain he embraced him as a brother prophet, as kin in the purest sense. Brother John, help us to be as real as you were.