Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 31, 2023
Read John 1:19-28
19 This is John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 John confessed (he didn’t deny but confessed), “I’m not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” John said, “I’m not.” “Are you the prophet?” John answered, “No.” 22 They asked, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied, “I am a voice crying out in the wilderness, Make the Lord’s path straight, just as the prophet Isaiah said.” 24 Those sent by the Pharisees 25 asked, “Why do you baptize if you aren’t the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26 John answered, “I baptize with water. Someone greater stands among you, whom you don’t recognize. 27 He comes after me, but I’m not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” 28 This encounter took place across the Jordan in Bethany where John was baptizing.
Good Morning, Let’s praise God all day long!
Who are you? Who are we? Why would someone ask you this question? In this passage, I read indignation in this question? It reeks of the self-righteous tone of someone who believes themself to be better than the one of whom they ask the question. Perhaps, it’s more of a “Who do you think you are, anyway?”
John was straightforward in his answers and did not try to hide what he was doing. John presents himself as a humble servant of God: not a prophet and not the Messiah, but a simple servant.
Even those sent to ask the questions do not seem to be the bad guys in this story. A better question might be, “Who are the ones who sent you to ask questions?” Why didn’t they come themselves?
John was sent to prepare a way for Jesus; he was a voice crying in the wilderness, announcing the coming of the Messiah to anyone who would listen. John was humbly serving and enacting God’s plan for him.
What does God call us to do? Do we listen and answer God’s calling? I sometimes struggle when I try to take the lead in my life, and I am constantly conversing with God to clarify what I’m supposed to do. It is hard to let go and let God when we think we see a better way, especially an easier way to do something. You know what I mean, a shortcut. Those shortcuts are often full of pitfalls and trouble, but we don't see that until we've jumped in with both feet.
God is there, ready to pull us from the pit when we call and ask for mercy.
John did not live an easy life, and the more he worked to prepare for the arrival of Christ, the more political and religious leaders he upset. These leaders were happy with the lives they had created for themselves: their power, wealth, and prestige. They saw John as one trying to make waves and cause discontent among the lowly.
Jesus came to teach us to humble ourselves before God and before our enemies. As we prepare for the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, let’s examine which side we are on. Are we among the rebels looking for a Messiah, or are we happy with our earthly treasures of power, prestige, and wealth?
Rebels are those who see a need for change and lead the charge. I read this definition of rebel that touched me. “Rebels are people who break rules that should be broken. They break rules that hold them and others back, and their way of rule-breaking is constructive rather than destructive. It creates positive change.”
John the Baptist and Jesus were rebels in a world that was satisfied with the rich and powerful, using their strength to gain more power and wealth at the expense of the poor and the outcasts.
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. We are confused. Our earthly values get in the way of our heavenly values. Sometimes we choose poorly. Please seek us and help us find our way home. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s glory shines brightly when we humble ourselves.
Be Humble and Meek! Pastor Liz
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