John prepares the way

Greetings:

We have been talking about the Birth of John the Baptist for the last two days. The book of Mark starts off telling about his preparing the way for the Messiah as Isaiah prophesied. Read Mark 1: 1-8.

In this passage, hear these words: "John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were flocking to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He was preaching: 'Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals. I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'"

John may have appeared different, he may have sounded thunderous, but the important point is - he told others about Christ. And, by the power of the Holy Spirit, people flocked to hear and accept the message. Our task is to tell others about Christ. In the Christmas Season we can get so caught up in the gifts, we lose sight of the task before us. Sharing the Messiah. Telling others how to find Christ. Being "a voice of one crying out in the wilderness...."

Today, see who God puts in your path to share with them about how to receive forgiveness of sins and to gain the eternal present of salvation.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Zachariah's Song

Greetings:

In Luke 1: 67-80, we read the song of praise that John's father offers up to God. In verses 76-80 (HCSB) we read: "And child, you will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our God's merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel."

John was to go before the Messiah to give people knowledge of salvation. Zachariah realized it was because of God's mercy that we have the opportunity for forgiveness. And, John would point people to the One who could provide this forgiveness.

In this Christmas season, let us all be "Johns" - pointing others to the One who came to shine a light upon our sins and to light the way to salvation. Let the Holy Spirit direct you today with those who you come in contact with. Show them the Light.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Birth of John

Greetings:

Luke 1: 62-66: "So they motioned to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: HIS NAME IS JOHN. And they were all amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue [set free], and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard about [him] took [it] to heart, saying, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the Lord's hand was with him."

"Indeed, the Lord's hand was with John." These last seven words are written prophetically and factually. The people were amazed at what God had done with the family and later with John himself. This was definitely a special person.

In this season, as we read this passage, let us be reminded that God has a plan for each of our lives. It may not be as spectacular as John's - but He has a plan. And part of that plan is to be a forerunner of Jesus to friends, family and acquaintances that we cross paths with. As today's forerunner, we need to introduce others to Jesus, and live such a life that they will be seeking to know Him.

So -- get out there and forerun!

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Mary's Song

Greetings:

Luke 1 : 46 - 48a : "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because..."

Luke 1: 46-56 is often referred to as the Magnificant of Mary. In this song, she praises God for the wonderful thing He had done - to her and for all of mankind. She realized exactly who she was carrying. She had the privilege that all Jewish woman wanted - the privilege of bearing the Messiah. Mary did not find the prospect of being looked ridiculed important. She did not find the prospect of being an outcast important. She did not even appear concerned that her relationship with Joseph might be broken. She praised God because she was to give birth to the Messiah.

When God gifts us with a task - do we look at it as a privilege or a burden? How do we respond to the work God gives us? It's easy to be excited if we are the center of positive attention - but what if it costs us something?

Today, read this passage and meditate upon this young girl's song of praise to her wonderful God.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Word Became Flesh

Greetings:

John 1: 14 (HCSB): "The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

The Word became flesh. The New Living Translation says: "So the Word became human and made his home among us." John 1:1 tells us that this Word is Jesus Christ, and that He is God. God became human. God "moved into the neighborhood" as The Message puts it. He is here with us.

There is often times when we want someone with flesh and bones to help us, to hear us, to be with us. We are reminded in this passage that God did this. And, He is still with us today in the form of His Holy Spirit.

Today, think about how different things would be if Jesus was walking beside in the flesh - and realize that He is walking inside you in the Spirit. Now live the life that you saw differently.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc