Re:Verse reading–Luke 3:1-20 (day two)
John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. vs. 16
Most of us have been to concerts that feature a group that plays prior to the main act. This opener or warm-up group is typically a young, relatively unknown, band that is trying to establish a following. Generally they will tour with an established artist in the genre they are trying to build a following with.
John was so much more than an opening act for Jesus. His message was new and ancient. His was a lone voice crying to the world about the coming promise. Unlike a band trying to be the next great thing, John was getting the world ready for the Messiah. His best efforts would never accomplish what Jesus would, and he was desperate to prepare people to meet this savior.
It is not likely that we will be called in to the wilderness to eat locusts, but we do have the commission to tell others about Jesus. Let’s do it with abandon, just like John.
In life, we always rely on someone to prepare our way! John prepared for Jesus’ Ministry! John honored Jesus and prepared others to meet Jesus and to give Jesus the highest honor.
Our success is not our own as no one can succeed in life without the support, the guidance, the coaching and the mentoring of others! Someone must be willing to prepare us for that success! John was that person for Jesus!
Do we honor those who are part of our success or who have supported us along the way, whether mentally, economically, personally, professionally, or spiritually? Do we give credit to those who have prepared us to achieve the highest points of success in our life journey? Do we accept and admit that someone should have the honor because he or she deserves it more than we do? Do we give praise to those who deserve it?
John was a humble apostle! He set a great example for appreciation of the Lord Jesus with great sense of humility! Merry Christmas!