Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 16, 2022
Read Matthew 3:1-12
1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, 2 “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” 3 He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said: The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” 4 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. 6 As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 7 Many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John. He said to them, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? 8 Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. 9 And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire. 11 I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.”
Good Morning, Prepare the way of the Lord!
How can you describe John the Baptist in today’s terms? He would definitely stand apart from what most people consider normal. John would be seen by most people as a bit of a radical, but John was passionate about his calling. As he wandered in the wilderness, John worked to discern God’s word which he shared with any who came to listen.
In John’s time, most who wanted to learn more about God would attend the temple and hear what the Pharisees had to say. For the mainstream of society, there was an element in their worship service that focused on being seen: what are you wearing, or how much noise did you make when you placed your offering in the plate? I suppose while they were there they would go through the expected ritual of worship.
If we suddenly transport ourselves back to the 21st century, that doesn’t sound so different from today. People come to church for a variety of reasons. Hopefully, the most important is to worship, but you can draw your own conclusions regarding your own agenda. While we are examining ourselves, let’s consider this idea of going out in the “wilderness” to listen to this recluse who seems to be “on fire” sharing the Word of God. Would you go? Why or why not?
Finally, assuming that you went to hear John and were baptized, what would you do next? Would you quietly continue your “normal” life, or would you encourage others to go and hear John’s message? Would you allow yourself to embrace John’s passion and “catch” fire? I’ve asked questions this morning to help you consider your faith journey as I consider my walk.
Each of us is called to be a disciple and share Christ with others. Even though our callings are different, each is equally important. Keep the embers of the Holy Spirit burning and share the love of Christ with all.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You made each of us unique. Whether we wander the desert, shout from the mountaintop, or bake someone a special pie, help us to keep our fires burning. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How will I prepare to share Christ with others today?
Be the spark! Pastor Liz
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