Is This the Messiah?

IS THIS THE MESSIAH?

Friday, February 15, 2013

Read: Luke 3:15-18

TEXT: As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ (Luke 3:15).

If John were here today, he would have a lot to say about our fear to confront those who live contrary to God’s Word. He was a bold and powerful preacher; he was unafraid to stand up to the self-absorbed religious leaders or to expose the errors of powerful political rulers.

It’s not difficult for the crowds to see the power of God at work in his ministry. So we should not be surprised to hear them asking if John might be the great prophet that Moses predicted long ago. Is this the Messiah God had promised to send?

But John immediately set the crowds straight. However powerful he might be as a prophet, he is nothing compared to the One who is coming. Compared to Him, John is like the lowest house slave, unworthy even to stoop down and lay his fingers upon the sandals of the great Messiah.

Even now, this mighty Son of God is living in Galilee. Soon He will come to John to begin His ministry, by which He will accomplish His great rescue mission. John baptizes with water, but the Christ will pour out the Holy Spirit and His cleansing fire upon those who hear and believe.

What thoughts must rush through those crowds, hearing the long-awaited Messiah is near? What thoughts cross your mind when thinking of Jesus who not long ago was that tiny baby laying in Bethlehem’s manger? How amazing is it that He will soon stride forward in humility and poverty to save the world?

PRAYER: Almighty God, thank You for sending Your great Son to save us from death and hell. Accept our thanksgiving and praise for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

[This Lenten devotion is from Lutheran Hour Ministries, www.lhm.org. The series is titled "From the Cradle to the Empty Grave." You may read each one by going to the page link on the right-hand side of this page.]