John's Call to Repentance

Jesus and the Just Reign of God
God Sends Jesus
Mary's Song of Praise

Luke 3:1-6

The Message

3 ^1-6 In the fifteenth year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius—it was while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod, ruler of Galilee; his brother Philip, ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, ruler of Abilene; during the Chief-Priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—John, Zachariah’s son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet:

Thunder in the desert!
“Prepare God’s arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!
Every ditch will be filled in,
Every bump smoothed out,
The detours straightened out,
All the ruts paved over.
Everyone will be there to see
The parade of God’s salvation.”

For Reflection

Make way for God! John was called to prepare the way for the arrival of God in the form of Christ.  The times were turbulent.  Caesar declared a god, ruled with brutal force.  The Jewish priesthood was corrupt and dysfunctional.  Rebellion was in the air.  The powerful thrived on the abuse of their power and the poor paid the price to support the affluent few.  A false peace came with the loss of compassion and justice.

Are we called today to prepare the world for God's arrival?  What needs to happen in order for God to rule in this world? What is this"baptism of life-change? "

 

Pray

that your righteousness will be a beacon of God-centered living.  Pray that each person will prepare their hearts and minds to accept the Holy Spirit into their lives. Pray that you will be willing and able to resist the call of the worldly and heed the call to God.  Pray that you will live to glorify God.