Preparing the way

God sent his messenger, a man named John, who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light.  (verses 6-8)

Read John 1:6-8, 19-28

Many people are involved in preparing the way for others. Surveyors prepare the way for those who will build roads. Architects draw up plans for builders. Speech writers write speeches for politicians and governors. Geologists do exploratory work for mining companies.

John the Baptist had the task of preparing the way for someone about whom he said, ‘I am not good enough even to untie his sandals’. John spoke a message of repentance, baptism and forgiveness, the same message Jesus would preach to people who needed good news.

Jesus took over and continued the message of John as he ministered for three years here on earth. He urged people to listen and to act, as the kingdom of God was very near. At the end of his ministry he commissioned eleven people to continue the ministry, bringing people the same good news. And because they did this work, and other people in following generations, wi1th the Holy Spirit’s help, also did it, the good news was proclaimed also to you and me.

Now it’s our turn. We have the same good news to proclaim. We have the same commission, and we have access to the same power to carry it out.

Father: I thank you for the people, over many generations, who brought the gospel to me. Help me to be equally faithful in passing the gospel on to others. Amen.

by Robert Turnbull, in ‘Living Water for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2001)

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