Prophet

Matthew 11:7-11

When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet!

Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.'

Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom.

But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.

"For a long time now, people have been trying to force themselves into God's kingdom..."

Have you ever been guilty of that attempt?

I know I have.

Sometimes, it seems, Christian folks can have the propensity for trying their best to impress God.

"Something for nothing" is a tough concept for us. If God loves us enough to send his son to live and die and rise again, then surely our hard work will be needed forever to pay off the debt, right?

That's exactly the kind of thinking that Jesus was trying to help us overcome.

Following Jesus isn't a buttoned-down sort of enterprise. It's not about having it all worked out, in order and presented in the most impressive way possible.

Instead, sometimes receiving the grace of Christ means we'll be pushed into the wilderness...into the places where we learn to depend on God the most. Like John, we may sometimes become a little wild-eyed for the experience...but also more full of love and the Holy Spirit's power.

Our celebration of Christ's birth is now only a few days away. May this Christmas season help us again remember that our King lay in a "lowly" manger, and that God always loves to work in the most unlikely of places...even our own lives.

Prayer: Like John the Baptist, may we each carry the character of a prophet into the lives of those around us. Show us the "wilderness" places where we can struggle and grow stronger in our faith.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: (No blog) Isaiah 35:6-10

No blog until 2008! The daily devotional blogs will return on Monday, January 7th. Many, many thanks to those of you who have made this site a daily stop on your spiritual walk. It's humbling to me, and I always appreciate having you here.

Christmas Worship at SOTH:

This Sunday, December 23: Regular worship schedule at 9 and 11 AM with Sunday School for all ages at 10:15.

Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion at both services: 5 and 7 PM. Childcare available for 2 and under.

We hope you'll make SOTH part of your Christmas celebration this year!