Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the Baptizer's voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi's prophesy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the "salvation of God."
After Four Hundred Years of Silence
Day 1: When Malachi’s pen fell silent in about 430 B.C., so did the prophetic voice in Israel…that is, until John the Baptist appeared on the scene in Judea. Read Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-2; Mark 1:1-8; and Luke 3:1-6. Isaiah and Malachi prepared God’s people to watch for a special messenger, a messenger who would herald the Messiah, who is the living Message! At the exact moment in history, according to God’s perfect plan, John the Baptist came to prepare the people for the Savior. In this busy Christmas season, do you take time to listen for the Spirit’s voice calling you to embrace the Message? Create silence for Scripture, prayer, and listening to the Spirit’s voice.
Day 2: What do you know about John the Baptist? His father was a priest; his mother, Elizabeth, was a relative of Mary, mother of Jesus. Read Luke 1:1-25,36,39-45,57-80 and John 1:6-9,15-28. From before John’s conception, God had a plan for his life. John would point people to Jesus. Consider that it is God’s plan for each of us to help others see Jesus. John’s life was focused on what was most important (notice his first reaction to “meeting” Jesus: Luke 1:44). On what or whom is your life focused this week? Ask the Spirit to help you point someone to Jesus.
Day 3: At exactly the right time in history, the word of God came to John. The expression the word of God came is the same expression used in reference to God’s message coming to Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 1:1-2; Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1…); John speaks with authority, for he speaks God’s heart to the people; he is God’s chosen messenger. When we read God’s Word, do we read it as words written by men or as God’s message? What difference does the perspective make? Read Luke 3:1-6; what is God saying to the people through the voice of John? What is God saying to you? Ask God to help you make this Advent season a time of preparing to encounter Jesus.
Prepare the Way for the Lord
Day 4: In ancient times, because roads were not good, a king planning to travel sent a courier ahead to tell the people to prepare the roads, to make them as level and straight as possible. John didn’t come to tell people to do road repair, he came to tell them to prepare their hearts for the King. Read Mark 1:4-5 and Luke 3:1-6. To what internal preparation did John call the people? What was the external or public act that attested to their repentance? Why is it important that we realize we are sinners? Read Matthew 1:21 and 1 John 1:5-10. Reflect on your need for the Savior and on God’s immeasurablelove for you.
Day 5: Luke 3:1-6 and John 1:1-34 speak of God-ordained preparation for the revealing of Jesus as Savior. John the Baptist is the messenger sent to prepare hearts to receive Jesus, the Message. Where was John when God’s word came to him (3:2)? Why might the desert/wilderness be a fitting place to hear God’s voice? And then he pointed people to Jesus. If we are to see God’s salvation and then share the glorious Good News with others, we need time apart to hear God’s voice.
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