Who is John the Baptist?
Readings for Sunday
Who is John the Baptist and what is the significance of his message for our lives? In dramatic fashion Luke tells us when John came on the world scene. The world's rulers paled in reference to this son of a priest whose task was to make the way for the King who is above all other kings. John stood at a pivotal juncture in the history of God's dealing with his people. He bridged the Old and New Testaments. John was a prophet, a spokesman for God. "The word of God came to John in the wilderness." John was pre-eminently the servant of the Word, the Word of God who became flesh for our sake and for our salvation. Why was John in the wilderness of Judaea? John was called from an early age to devote himself to prayer and the word of God. God taught him in the solitude of the desert and prepared him for a prophetic ministry to turn the hearts of his people to receive their long-awaited Messiah. John is the last of the Old Testament prophets who point the way to the coming of the Messiah. He is the first of the new Testament martyrs who suffered on account of his witness to Jesus as the Messiah and Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
In the ancient world when a king decided to tour his kingdom, he first sent his courier ahead to prepare the way. John is the courier of the Messiah King who proclaims to all the peoples that the reign of God is now close at hand. Isaiah had long ago prophesied the role of the Forerunner of the Messiah. John undoubtedly took this word to heart as he searched the scriptures and reflected on the word of the Lord in the wilderness. How does one prepare for the coming of the King and his everlasting kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit? By conversion – turning one's heart and mind from sin and rebellion, indifference and skepticism, to a sincere trust and obedience to God's word. Luke's gospel emphasizes the universal call of the gospel to all peoples without distinction. He quotes from the prophet Isaiah that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God." John stood at the door of a new era of grace and salvation. He saw from a distance what Jesus the Messiah would accomplish through his death and resurrection – pardon for our sins, healing and restoration, and eternal life for all who would believe in his name. Are you hungry for the Word of God and do you allow God's word to shape and transform the way you think, act, and live?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with love for your saving word. May I radiate the joy of the gospel in word and deed to those around me."
Who is John the Baptist and what is the significance of his message for our lives? In dramatic fashion Luke tells us when John came on the world scene. The world's rulers paled in reference to this son of a priest whose task was to make the way for the King who is above all other kings. John stood at a pivotal juncture in the history of God's dealing with his people. He bridged the Old and New Testaments. John was a prophet, a spokesman for God. "The word of God came to John in the wilderness." John was pre-eminently the servant of the Word, the Word of God who became flesh for our sake and for our salvation. Why was John in the wilderness of Judaea? John was called from an early age to devote himself to prayer and the word of God. God taught him in the solitude of the desert and prepared him for a prophetic ministry to turn the hearts of his people to receive their long-awaited Messiah. John is the last of the Old Testament prophets who point the way to the coming of the Messiah. He is the first of the new Testament martyrs who suffered on account of his witness to Jesus as the Messiah and Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
In the ancient world when a king decided to tour his kingdom, he first sent his courier ahead to prepare the way. John is the courier of the Messiah King who proclaims to all the peoples that the reign of God is now close at hand. Isaiah had long ago prophesied the role of the Forerunner of the Messiah. John undoubtedly took this word to heart as he searched the scriptures and reflected on the word of the Lord in the wilderness. How does one prepare for the coming of the King and his everlasting kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit? By conversion – turning one's heart and mind from sin and rebellion, indifference and skepticism, to a sincere trust and obedience to God's word. Luke's gospel emphasizes the universal call of the gospel to all peoples without distinction. He quotes from the prophet Isaiah that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God." John stood at the door of a new era of grace and salvation. He saw from a distance what Jesus the Messiah would accomplish through his death and resurrection – pardon for our sins, healing and restoration, and eternal life for all who would believe in his name. Are you hungry for the Word of God and do you allow God's word to shape and transform the way you think, act, and live?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with love for your saving word. May I radiate the joy of the gospel in word and deed to those around me."
posted by brodkaster43 at
12/07/2009 11:22:00 AM
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