Tag: John the Baptist

Invisible, Yet Present!

nofearlindaLeave a comment

The events that take place next warm my heart. Mary decides to leave right away and travel to her cousin Elizabeth’s house, in the Judean hills. There could be various possible reasons for Mary’s decision: the angel had told her that Elizabeth was expecting and Mary, knowing her cousin was older, may have thought she could be of help, she may not have wanted to stay around Nazareth as her pregnancy would become known and she would be a source of gossip and ridicule or she knew Elizabeth to be a godly woman and was seeking support and wisdom. Whatever the reason, immediately upon being greeted by Mary, this takes place.

Luke 1:39-45 and 56 “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! verse 56 ”Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Scripture tells us an important fact about John in Luke 1:15b “and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.” So when Mary arrives and Elizabeth greets her, the baby, John, leaps in her womb. His spirit recognizes the Holy Spirit within Jesus. The meeting produces joy for the mother’s to be and their babies. The attribute I have chosen for today is Invisible. God is with us each and every moment of every day, and yet we do not feel or see Him. God is Spirit and we cannot see spirit. Just as we cannot see or feel sound waves, energy or atoms, we know they exist. God did make himself visible to us in His Son Jesus. In this story, we have the time before Jesus is born and and see and feel through the events the presence of our Invisible God. His Holy Spirit indwelled both John and Jesus! John reacted to the presence of Jesus and the joy was immediately transmitted to Elizabeth and Mary as joy.

I’m sure being together both women would felt more supported about their part of God’s plan. I would imagine that Mary’s presence was of great help and comfort to Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s wisdom, faithfulness and compassion would have helped Mary as she grew in her pregnancy. The timing of staying 3 months would mean that Mary stayed until John was born and named. When she returned home she would have been about 4 months pregnant and through the first possibly difficult months.

Invisible God made himself known to the Israelites in the Old Testament. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and spoke to him. God led the way as they crosses the desert using a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to show His presence. Paul wrote in Romans 1:20 “ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” We can see evidence of God through His creation and wonder at it. God assures us in Deuteronomy 31:6 that even though we cannot see Him, He is there! “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Thankfully, God saw fit to give us more, something tangible we could depend upon and see. Colossians 1:15 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Hebrews 1:3a “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” We have proof that Jesus lived and was seen by others, died for our sins and ascended back into heaven. Jesus was visible proof of our invisible God! Praise God for His provision of Jesus.

Today as you go about your day, see where you can see our invisible God at work. He is there with you just as He was with Mary and Elizabeth.

Linda

Zechariah Learns a Lesson

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Today’s portion of scripture is taken from Luke 1:8-20. We see Zechariah in the temple doing his priestly duties and is interrupted by the angel Gabriel who has a message from God. God knew it was Zechariah’s time to serve and He wanted him for a specific mission.

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was” serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

The attribute I have chosen for this passage is Perfect. God is Perfect in all He does and says. In this story we see God’s perfect timing. He sent the angel Gabriel at the specific time in Israel’s history to bring good news of this son that Zechariah and Elizabeth would miraculously have, even though they were older, to be the forerunner of Jesus. Zechariah’s son would be filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth and live a righteous life leading many to repent and turn to God. Zechariah and Elizabeth were the perfect parents to train and teach their young son about God and His Word.

I am always amused when I read about Zechariah’s boldness in questioning the word of the heavenly being Gabriel. His unbelief moved him to ask, how can I know this to be true? It is not surprising that Gabriel was offended at Zechariah questioning his integrity and his message from God. The punishment was also perfect. It was severe but not harmful to Zechariah’s person but to his pride. It also allowed others to see that he had indeed had an encounter with a God. Gabriel made the punishment time limited so that he would again have the message confirmed when it came to pass and know the power of God. God is perfect in his ways and they are not our ways as we are reminded in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God always has the perfect solution and His timing is flawless.

This coming John would be the forerunner, proclaiming the glory of God to come. Later when both men are grown, John has the privilege of baptizing Jesus and proclaiming Jesus’ purpose in the world. John 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

I can rely upon God’s perfection in all His ways, plans and timing. I may not see or know the plan, but I can trust the planner. I don’t’ need to question the truthfulness of God’s Word as I know it is flawless and true in its perfection. Lean into God and trust His Word in a new way today.

Linda

Advent Day 21, Can you be a Witness?

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Today’s Advent scripture is from John 1. The first scriptures in verses 6-8 tell us who John is was and why he had come.

“God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.” He was to have a powerful testimony before the people about the messiah to come.

Later in Chapter 1 verses 19-28 relates a confrontation John the Baptist had with the religious leaders of his day. “This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,  ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.”

We see very clearly that John knew who he was and what his purpose. Even though the Pharisees were learned men who had studied the Torah, they did not see that John was the one foretold by the prophet Isaiah. John did not try to persuade them or mislead them in any way – he gave them the truth of the coming Messiah who would be greater by far.

How can we relate to this passage? Do you think God has a mission for you too? Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” When Jesus gave this command, it was to and for all believers until He returns. So what are you doing about telling others?

I created this acrostic to help me remember the importance of being a WITNESS.

W-wonder and amazement should be on my mind as I look to tell others of my faith in Jesus.

I–intentional giving out of my testimony of how I came to trust in Jesus.

T-timely speaking to others, look for that God opportunities.

N- newness of life in Jesus is good news for everyone, let it be known.

E- eagerness to tell others at home, in my city, in the world.

S-seeking to tell the lost about Jesus is a must do.

S- Savior Jesus is my answer, I want you to know Him too!

I pray this acrostic speaks to your heart and you see that you have the same purpose as John the Baptist to tell others about Jesus. It is a timely message that is so needed, especially at this Advent Season.

Linda

Advent Day 14, He’s Coming- Be Ready!

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Today’s scripture comes from the gospel of Mark 1:1-8. Mark begins the story of Jesus with the arrival of John the Baptist. He told us who he was, John the Baptist, and why he came, as a messenger proceeding one who was greater. Mark describes his ministry among the people and his lifestyle.

1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”

4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

Mark started his gospel with the idea that there would be a messenger to come from God who would let them know that the Messiah’s arrival was near. He would prepare the way. Four-hundred years before John appeared, the prophet Malachi foretold of his coming in Malachi 3:1 , “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” This information added to what they knew from Isaiah, which is quoted by Mark in verse 2, gave them hope that they could expect someone to come from God that would prepare them for the arrival of the Messiah.

How would John announce the coming of Jesus? Mark 1:7-8 ” 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” John was calling the people to repent and turn to God so that when Messiah came their hearts would be ready. He was baptizing with water but the Messiah would baptize with his Holy Spirit. Baptism symbolizes death when one goes under the water and then rising to new life. New believers who put their faith in Jesus would undergo a transformation called new birth. Titus 3:5 puts it this way “he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”

Are you ready to receive the Savior? Jesus is waiting for you and me to come to Him for that new life and new Spirit which he alone can give. What better time to receive Christ than at Christmas? He came so that we could have a new life and flourish with him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” If you already know Christ, praise Him for His great provision for you and the new life you have in Him!

Linda

Second Sunday of Advent, day 8, Peace to You!

nofearlindaLeave a comment

The candle for the second Sunday of Advent represents peace and is often called the “Bethlehem Candle” as it symbolizes Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem in anticipation of Jesus’ birth; it is usually purple in color. The scripture for today comes from Isaiah 40. This is a wonderful chapter and verses 1-5 speak of the coming Messiah. Not only do the words compel us to look to the coming Messiah, but you might hear the familiar sounds of Handel’s Messiah ringing in your ears.

“Comfort, comfort my people,”
    says your God.
2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.
Tell her that her sad days are gone
    and her sins are pardoned.
Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over
    for all her sins.” Joy is in the offing with the coming Messiah, sins will be pardoned!

Jesus came to reconcile us to God. This is something we cannot do on our own. We can never be good enough nor can we avoid all sin and be perfect as He was perfect. We need a Savior!

 Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,
“Clear the way through the wilderness
    for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland
    for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys,
    and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves,
    and smooth out the rough places.
5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
    The Lord has spoken!”

Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus, the one who would forgive sins, and John the Baptist, the one who would be his forerunner, were given hundreds of years before they occured. Luke 5:24 “So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” John 1:6-8 “God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.” They came to pass just as God said!

Today as the Peace or Bethlehem candle is lit on the Advent wreath., think about the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and Mary’s words from the Magnificat in Luke 2:46-48. “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
    and from now on all generations will call me blessed. Mary and Joseph knew they were a part of something big that would impact all of mankind. They were at peace as they depended upon God to lead, guide and protect them. Where do you need to trust God this season? His peace awaits when you surrender to Him.

Linda

Clear Prophesy that Encourages Our Faith

nofearlindaLeave a comment

The second part of Zachariah’s song of praise and prophecy shows his father’s heart and reveals what God has planned for both his son and the effects of the Messiah upon the world. Luke 1:76-80

“And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Zachariah’s speaks of who his son will be and his godly mission. John would be a prophet and prepare the hearts of the people for the coming Messiah. He would preach repentance and point the people to God. I am reminded of Isaiah’s prophetic words about this coming messenger from God. Isaiah 40:3-4 gives a description of this messenger and his purpose and was written hundreds of years before John’s birth. “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness
    for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.                     Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” In the Gospel of John Chapter 1, John the disciple, uses Isaiah’s words to describe this John the Baptist. John 1:22-23 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” John preached repentance for sin and baptized with water. He said one was coming who would be greater than he. John 1:26-27 “ John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

Zachariah then prophesied about the light of God that would be coming into the world. He would come to give light in our dark world of sin and death and guide us towards peace with God. Jesus spoke of himself as the light to this world. John 8:12 “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 12:35 “Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.” John 16:13 speaks of the guidance Jesus promised through the Holy Spirit, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” John 16:33 speaks of peace in Jesus, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Zachariah’s prophecies were immediately fulfilled in the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus and after Jesus’ death in the coming of the Holy Spirit!

This chapter concludes with an anecdote on the growing up years of John before he began to preach. 80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. 

God is clearly visible in the fulfilled prophesy included in Zachariah’s song. Praise God for these confirmations in scripture that build and encourage our faith.

Linda

WOW! Message from God to Zechariah

nofearlindaLeave a comment

The Levites took turns serving in the temple in Jerusalem. Here is what happened to Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, when it was his turn to serve. Luke 1:8-17

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Wow! The angel brought Zechariah heavenly news. Zechariah was afraid as often angelic messengers brought bad news and they were spiritual beings which would frighten anyone. Zechariah was told that he and his aged wife would have child. At their age, this would be a lot to take in and believe as they had tried for many years to have a child. Now at their age, it would be a miracle. This son was to be called John, he would be a joy and a delight- good news to any future parents. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. In Old Testament times, the Spirit of God came upon people for a certain period of time and then would leave. Since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes upon the believer and indwells them forever. So being told that John would have God’s Spirit from birth was an amazing fact. They were also given information about his future mission for the Lord. He would go out in God’s power and call people to repentance. John was to prepare the way for the long awaited Messiah.

I can’t even imagine getting this news. Zechariah was a devout Jew that loved and served God. The joy Zechariah experienced in knowing he would have a part in God’s plan through his son must have been both humbling and exhilarating. Today I focused on the message the angel brought to John as it speaks of God’s Omniscience and compassion for all mankind. God’s plan of redemption was made and carried out through Jesus because He loved us and desired that we be reconciled to Him. Our sin separates us from Him and there is nothing we can do to remedy this situation. Only God could reconnect us. He sent John to proclaim the coming of Messiah and the message that repentance was needed. They had strayed from God and John was to be the wakeup call to stir the Jewish conscience towards faith once more.

Let this Advent season be a wakeup call of your own to turn to Jesus. Seek Him with a repentant heart and let the words of Ezekiel 36:26 resonate in your heart and mind. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ask God for that new heart, renewed faith and openness to do His will in your life. You will be renewed, rejuvenated and experience renovation in your life as never before.

Linda

The Blessedness of Waiting

nofearlindaLeave a comment

There are many Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah. One that leads directly into our story is that of John the Baptist. He was born just prior to Jesus to the aged parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth. His coming was foretold in Isaiah 40:3-4. His was to be a voice proclaiming the Messiah to come.

A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
    the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
    a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
    every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
    the rugged places a plain. The poetic words of Isaiah tell of one that will be proclaiming and preparing the Israelites that were willing and ready to listen for the coming of Jesus.

John’s lineage was from the line of Aaron as his father was a priest. The story of John’s conception and birth was a miracle to this older couple. Luke 1:5-7 gives the beginning of their history.

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

These 2 servants of God did everything right. They followed God with their hearts and souls and they were observant doing what God commanded in their daily lives. In those days, being childless or barren was considered a curse from God. They might have felt that they were not doing as God desired for their lives, were sinning or perhaps they felt their ancestors had sinned. I’m sure they felt forgotten by God. However, it did not dampen their ardor or love for God. God knew their true hearts and their devotion to Him. Scripture sets the story straight that they had not sinned against God and were being punished by not having children but it was His timing for them to have a child in their old age. This sets them apart from others and makes the appearance of John, God’s messenger, all the more marvelous.

How often have you felt God is forgetting about you and your needs? Have you prayed fervently for your hearts desire and yet God seems not to hear. Perhaps, in your case as in that of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the timing is not yet right. God has a plan and His timing for events is always perfect. We do not see all the circumstances that surround our requests. We do not know all the people and things that are involved. Elizabeth and Zechariah prayed for a child and left the timing and the happening to God. They were blessed either way.

Take heart from the story of this godly couple and present your requests to God and then continue serving with all your heart and soul. God sees and God knows and God listens. Today’s truth about God’s is that His timing and ways are not our own and that requires us to TRUST Him with the details. God declared in Isaiah 55:8-9. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.“

As the story unfolds we will see the great blessing that came to Zechariah and Elizabeth because of their willingness to wait upon the Lord.

Linda

“Come.” It is that simple.

nofearlindaLeave a comment

John the Baptist mentions to 2 of his disciples, as Jesus passes by, “Look the Lamb of God!” John had just baptized Jesus and now knew He was the Messiah. We don’t know if these men were present earlier but I would assume not or they would have recognized Jesus themselves. John 1:33-39 “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.” The disciples were intrigued by John’s comment and decided to see for themselves. Jesus, as always, goes to the heart of the matter wanting to know what they want. He knew what they needed and invited them to come. They went and spent hours with Jesus.

The next scene tells us what happened with one of those men who went to meet Jesus. John 1:40-42 “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).“ Andrew was so affected by his encounter with Jesus he went to tell his brother Simon. He brought Simon to Jesus and Jesus told him his future involved a name change.

What truths about Jesus do we see in these encounters?

**Meeting Jesus face to face is life changing. Andrew, Simon and the other disciple were never the same after meeting Jesus. We will see this truth over and over in John’s gospel as lives are transformed though encounters with Jesus. Nicodemus, lame man, the Samaritan woman, the royal official and the list goes on as people are never the same once they meet the Savior.

**Meeting Jesus and learning who He is causes us to desire to share that wonderful information with others. We want others to know and experience this Jesus too. We will see this again and again as the Samaritan woman runs off to tell the whole town, the official tells his whole household and all are saved, later the people who are fed by Jesus continue to seek him and bring others.

**Meeting Jesus changes our future and gives us purpose and hope for eternity with Him. The disciples were never the same as they sought to tell the known world about Jesus. They took the gospel to the world In Acts we are told about their adventures and Paul wrote of his love for others and seeing them come to know Christ in his letters.

The question for you and me is, what will we do with our knowledge of Jesus? Do we have the desire to tell others and seek to live for Him? Jesus was issuing the command to ‘Come’ to those in His time and to you and me. Just as those first followers found Jesus to have the answers to life and death so we too can find those same answers if we will only Come to Him. We will be amazed as we learn more and more about Jesus. The excitement will grow and we will want to speak out and tell others, so they can experience Jesus too.

Linda

What a Sight!!

nofearlindaLeave a comment

John the Baptist did not know the Messiah until he came to be baptized him. God confirmed to John that this was His Son by means of a dove descending upon him marking him the chosen one of God. John knew that the one he was proclaiming was coming. He knew he would be greater in God’s power, but he did not know who it was. Can you imagine his surprise when he beheld the dove staying on him while he baptized Jesus? It was a baptism like so many others and yet, it was altogether different. John’s proclaimed Jesus’ mission and purpose that he was the lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. John’s also knew that Jesus was the chosen one of God by this dove’s presence. Jesus did not need baptism to show his repentance, he had never sinned. His baptism was a proclamation and affirmation of who He was and why he had come. He was the sinless lamb come to save us from the wrath of our sin. We know from Romans 3:23 “ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There was no way to erase or mitigate our sin. Jesus changed that fact. He provided a way through his death on the cross and resurrection for us to be reconciled to God.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

Several things stand out to me from this scene: John knew Jesus as his cousin and did not hesitate to recognize him as the anointed, chosen one from God. He did not question God about anything but accepted Jesus as fulfillment of what God had promised. John again showed his humility by continuing to acknowledge Jesus as his superior and affirm that he would look to him as Messiah. As we continue to read the gospels, no where do we find John boasting about baptizing Jesus, he accepted Jesus’ position with grace and considered it a privilege to have been a part of God’s plan. I am amazed at John’s godly character. He did not try to get any glory by being related to Jesus. He did not ever try to claim prominence for having been the first to baptize and call people to repentance. He did not boast of having baptized the Messiah. He showed grace, maturity and godliness. What an example he is to us!

Linda