“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
“‘Bear fruits in keeping with repentance…’
“The crowds asked him, ‘What then shall we do?’ And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’ Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said, ‘Collect no more than you are authorized to do.’ Soldiers asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be content with your wages.'” Luke 3:1-6,8a,10-14
What stark contrast begins this narrative, juxtaposing uniformed men and be-robed priests strutting authority in nation, cities, and religion against one lone prophet in camel’s hair calling out in the wilderness. The Lord of contrasts, of world and wilderness, of individuals known and unnamed, of those in power and those who roam, issues one message for all: Repent, be forgiven, behold and bear out the salvation of the Lord. While worldly leaders conversed about matters of state, God’s messenger addressed the state of man. The word that came to him from heaven issued from him with eternal results. (Matthew 3:4)
Vast is the love of God for His creatures! Loud is His voice, wide is His mercy! He appoints some to positions of power, leaders in government, education, ministries, businesses, homes. Others He tucks into different important roles in remote and bleak places. Some He plants permanently, others He moves at will. This Lord of nature and nations is always working toward His redemptive ends. What word have we received? How faithfully do we fulfill His appointments? (Acts 17:26-27)
Are we presently strained in a world bloated with crassness, inundated with posturing, pressured with responsibilities? Are we in a wilderness barren of believers, optimism, or hope? What assignment have we received for those very places? How are we making His good news known, through word and action? What difference will we ask Him to make in and through us?
“All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my sight
High above my life
I will trust in you alone.
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you.” ~Chris Tomlin (2010)
Lord, give appropriate words and inimitable light for each person in my path, so You are known and praised.
As the rain and snow 