Only a preview

People’s hopes began to rise, and they began to wonder whether John perhaps might be the Messiah. So John said to all of them, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ (verses 15,16)

Read Luke 3:15-17, 21, 22

In movie theatres they advertise movies that are coming soon. On TV they advertise programs that are coming up. The preview will show excerpts of the movie or program to whet your appetite and make you decide not to miss it. However, as good as some of the excerpts are, they’re only a preview and not the real thing.

When John the Baptist preached the good news, he had a profound effect on people. They began to wonder if he himself was the Messiah he spoke about. But John told them he was only a kind of introduction, only a preview of what was coming. Someone was coming who was much greater than him and who would have a greater effect on them than he could ever have.

As God’s children we look forward to eternal life with God in heaven. But while we’re here on earth we only have a glimpse, a preview of what lies ahead. Won’t the real thing be something?

Father, it’s wonderful to be your child. Thank you for giving me a preview of your glory and of eternal life with you. I look forward to the real thing. Amen.

By Grace Bock, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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