Mark 1:1-8
So this John came, this unexpected, radical, and fiery man
appeared in the wild—burst into the middle of the scene. His voice boomed
before the stage lights even flickered. A raw and forthright man who didn’t
curry favor or kowtow to anyone. John declared the kingdom of God was on its
way. Make preparations. Be ready.
Long ago when a royal entourage approached a city or
village, a group traveled ahead to remove the obstacles and barriers. Their
job? To open and smooth the road for the king’s arrival.
Remember our central theme as we move through Mark? Watch
Jesus?
Through the walls of their mothers' wombs, John watched
Jesus. John was the messenger even in utero; he leaped in excitement and
announced the coming arrival of God’s final revelation. God sent John as a
forerunner, a harbinger, and a new voice in a culture and to a people who
hadn’t heard a “word from the Lord” in over four hundred years. God sent John
to prepare the way, to make straight the paths for the Word (Logos) to come.
John did the good work God prepared in advance for him to do.
Friends, John understood who he was and who he was not.
He elevated Jesus and proclaimed him above all. John states
that he wasn't worthy to untie Jesus' sandals—a slave’s job. John didn’t employ
a self-demeaning or self-deprecating or falsely humble attitude. He stated the
truth. John told them and us: What I do is temporary and partial, but this One who comes after me will do something
eternal and complete in you. I will start something, this preparatory
repentance, but he will finish it; the Holy Spirit does the lasting work.
John understood his role, his purpose in the strategy of the
kingdom, and he proclaimed the message given to him and it wasn't a pleading or
begging message. Repent. Turn. Forgiveness is on its way.
Like John, we need to understand our role, our purpose in the kingdom.
What is our message today?
Ask the hard questions. Have we made this message about us
or him? Are we preparing the way for him or ourselves? Are we removing
obstacles so people can find him or are we rolling hurdles onto the highway?
Are we telling people with certainty who we are not and who he most certainly
is? Are we proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor? Are we telling people
about the deep rest of God? About the sweet grace that covers shame? About the
blood of Christ that absorbs sin?
If we have been called by God, then each of us should proclaim the imminence of the kingdom and the eminence of Jesus. Just like John.
4 comments:
Lovely message Tamera, I have never thought of watching the people's reaction to Jesus...Glad to have a new perspective.
Ariete,
We will do both in Mark. I am convinced that if are to conform to the image of Christ, then we need to watch him. He is the image of the invisible Godhead; therefore, what we see him doing is what God the Father is doing. I'm so very thankful and glad you have joined us! Please come back and join us again on Friday.
To be like John...to be content with the simple things of life, while focussing on the most important ones. His work..."site preparation"...doing the leveling and he grading so the "footers and foundation" were reading to be poured. Thank you my friend for helping us to really look at John...so that we could get a better look at Jesus.
...ready to be poured.
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