Matthew 3:1-3 (Message)
While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea.
His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings:
"Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea.
His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings:
"Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy:
Thunder in the desert!
Prepare for God's arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!
John the Baptist absolutely looked and acted like a crazy man.
While the world kept spinning and everyone moved about their daily lives, he had opted out.
"Prepare for God's arrival!"
This is the season of Advent. There's nothing magical or particularly special about these days, unless we decide to assign them special focus in our walk with Christ.
That's a great thing to do. Because there are seasons when we need to reflect, and focus. Otherwise, we might lose sight of what Christmas really is all about.
A few weeks ago, my son returned from a field trip to the local fire station. He told me about the blue "blazes" that adorn all of our streets and highways.
I'll have to admit that I never noticed them.
You see, wherever fire hydrants are located, you'll see a bright blue reflector, off center, parallel to the hydrant, in the roadway.
They're there to point firefighters to the source of their ability to fight...water.
What if John the Baptist if Jesus' "blue blaze," standing at attention, waiting for us to look and listen?
He points the way to the source.
As we move through this day together, let's get our hearts ready...to look and find.
Prayer: We remember the calling and vision of John the Baptist. May we hear his words, repent, and make a straight path for the messiah in our hearts.
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: Matthew 3:4-12
1 comment:
You know, on occassion The Message translation words scripture in such a way that when you read it, its like reading it for the first time.
"Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
A command, not a suggestion.
Interesting turn of phrase.
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