Dream and Ponder and Listen - Matthew 2:13-23 - First Week of Christmas

 

Matthew 2:13-23 NIV

¹³ When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

¹⁴ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, ¹⁵ where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”^[a]

¹⁶ When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. ¹⁷ Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

¹⁸ “A voice is heard in Ramah,
    weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
    and refusing to be comforted,
    because they are no more.”^[b]

 

¹⁹ After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt ²⁰ and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

²¹ So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. ²² But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, ²³ and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Dream and Ponder and Listen

Egypt was a place to run to for escape from the terrors of government failures and greed of power and might. Egypt was in Joseph’s time and the time of the Israelites a place of escape for safety. At least until it wasn’t.

Fleeing to Egypt from Bethlehem, after receiving the gifts from the Magi, seems to make some sense. If Mary, Joseph and Jesus had returned to Nazareth, then fleeing to Syria would make more sense. Syria would be the closer place to flee to. But fleeing from Bethlehem to Egypt would be closer in this case. Plus, why risk returning to Nazareth, right through the very country side where Herod may be able to find and capture this young couple and the Savior Jesus?

Even though, in the Israelite past, Egypt was a place of bondage; God shows that even some of the most fearful places on earth can be of use, through the power of God, for refuge. We all have made moves in life that may have been guided by God’s divine grace. So, once again, here, Joseph in a dream is told by an angel of God to take action. Ponder a bit but act decisively and quickly as God directs.

Egypt was just beyond the realm of power that was ruled by Herod. So, Joseph moves on.

Does this move seem risky? Sure! How would Joseph sustain his family? Not sure! But in and through the faith that God gives Joseph, he moves his young family as God directs. Think about that. Think about the moves needed in life that all depend on the gift of faith and trust in God. Listen to Him!

In this fearful move away from the power of man to dispense death, even on infants, the crucifixion of Jesus begins. How evil can man be to kill the helpless, those running for their life, all in the fear of power and prestige being taken away from powerful men. Even when the power of man is only an idea of self. Real power belongs to God. Real power and strength are not always with the rich and kingly rulers of earth.

Joseph immediately obeys the command of God heard through an angel in a dream. Talk about some trust! Immediately! A dream, a sleep, a time to ponder while sleeping and bang! Get up and go! From the gifts and visit from Magi, to fleeing to Egypt. Just like that. How things can change. How things change in my life and yours. In an instant life can change. In those instances of life, trust that God is with you. God came to this earth in Jesus to walk with you, in all those instances of life when things change quickly. Trust in God. Trust in Jesus. God IS with you.

Was it two years, or maybe four years, perhaps a few months, that Joseph kept his little family in Egypt? It was long enough for God’s plan of salvation to unfold for all mankind. Was this a small Exodus experience of Jesus and His mother and father? Or maybe this was like a mini exile for the family into Babylon of sorts. Not sure, but I do know that God calls us out of exile and gives us a place with Him in His Kingdom forever, as we wait and believe and live our life in exile, in exodus, in the wilderness and in the homecoming into the arms of Jesus at the conclusion of this earthly journey. Listen to God’s call and move when God calls.

Jesus will put away evil, sin, and death, and lead us back to be with Him in eternity. This is just the beginning of the beginning. The end of the end. Listen to God’s call and wait for Him, in all the faith that He gives to you.

Like the death of Herod, Jesus will bring death to all evil and sin in this world. Death to grant everlasting life!

Herod was a mean, cruel and sick man. Sick as in illness and sick as in evil. Even his own family were those he took out his fury upon. So, when the Magi didn’t do exactly as he expected them to do in reporting the whereabouts of this Messiah, Herod lashed out with some evil commands. Mankind is cruel at times. Especially when power is in question, or wealth, or pride. Rulers throughout time lash out at their own family, their own people, and the world. Evil is evil, and evil here lashes out towards a young Jesus. Herod was mocked and felt deceived, so what did he do? He lashed out at people who could not defend themselves, declaring that infants and young children were to be killed. It’s awful to begin with, but when men lash out at those who have no defense, it is appalling. What vile, despicable things will men do to save pride? It’s disgusting!

But as we see in prophecy, this crying and death is nothing new to this world. It’s been present for many years and will be for many more. So, what does God do? He saves a Savior, and that Savior saves the world from sin, death, and evil men. A Savior that brings forth life, even as that Savior, in Jesus, is under the threat of death, as a young child too. Yes, this young child, Jesus, will go through His own kind of exile, similar to the exile of the Israelites to Babylon. A time of waiting it out. A time of testing and faith. A time for those loyal believers to endure. But God will draw the Israelites back to Jerusalem, and God will draw you and I out of our own exiles as we wait in faith and hope. Jesus WILL return. Jesus will return from Egypt and will return again, to draw us back to Him.

Herod died full of worms. He was a sick man in more ways than one. He died at the age of 71 and endured much pain in death. Not only was Herod a terror to the world, he was a terror to himself. Is this justice? Maybe. But through this moment in history, God speaks once again to Joseph through an angel in a dream. God guides Joseph, step by step, and Joseph is faithful to God in every step. Maybe this is a lesson to us as well, to listen to the Words of God. Words of God freely given to us in the Bible, through the Sacraments and from the pulpit. Pay attention folks! God may just lead and guide you through the ups and downs of life. Anyway, Joseph takes his little family and his Savior to Nazareth to live and grow.

Yet the journey to Nazareth was a bit of a detour. Herod’s most evil son was now ruler of the land. So, instead of going to Judea, Joseph detours to Galilee and the city of Nazareth. And there a new ministry begins, a new creation starts, a Savior leads His people forth to forgiveness and salvation. The journey won’t be easy. Evil is all around, but this small child will lead the world to something unheard of, something so opposite the pride, power, prestige and wealth of this world’s rulers. A child will lead all those who believe to a new Kingdom, an eternal Kingdom, and an invasion of the hearts of mankind who joyfully choose to follow Jesus.

So, what’s the message I hear to me? I hear and see a God that leads and guides His people through all the stages of life. In my birth, God gave me the breath to live. In my birth God gave me life straight out of the womb of my mother. This is not always the case for newborns. Some newborns fall into the hands of Jesus right from the start. God takes care of them in love and grace. Yet, to all who wander on this earth, there is other gifts available. As my parents brought me to the baptismal font, God buried me in death in the water of baptism and raised me to new life in and with Him in eternity. Similar to Jesus at the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descended upon me and God claimed me as His very own. For me, it was as an infant. But God isn’t worried about time. God isn’t concerned with my actions to obtain this eternal favor. God gives this new life freely and without any cost of merit of my own. As I live, I sin. I can’t help myself. I know better, but still fail. So, God turns to me as I turn to God each and every day and ask God to forgive me and lead and guide me. Lead and guide me through all my stages of life, like a marriage of sorts, in sickness and in health, in suffering, in good times and in my death. God turns me around and I can’t help but to face God.

And like in this passage of Scripture, like Joseph, I ponder, I dream, I study God’s Word and listen for the voice of God, even if it comes from angels. And in this I lay my trust and hope. Yes, I “Point to Jesus.” It’s in that pointing that I follow into the places of life that may frighten me and may place me in the path of death.

But even as Jesus came as a little child to this earth, He gets into the boat with me. Jesus walks right through the stormy seas of life and calms the storm for me. So, in those times that I fear, I can look, yes, “Point to Jesus.” Jesus is right there with me all the time.

So, I think back in life. How God has come to me? How God has taught me? God is always with me in the ups and downs of life, even when I don’t think He is there.

Think back on Jesus’ life and how He lived, and gives me all I ever need. Think back and give thanks. Thanks be to God!

Think back in life.  Ponder what God has done for me. God deserves praise and thanksgiving. Think back and ponder, even dream a bit. Thanks be to God!

Jesus was born under the Law, to save me and you, as we live under the Law.

I encourage you in this Christmas Season, to take time to “Dream and Ponder and Listen” and act on God’s call in your life– today… tomorrow… and forever. – Amen

I invite you to enjoy this YouTube Video that reminds me of Joseph…

“I Woke Up This Morning With My Mind Stayed On Jesus”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeIMBTAx2Zw&list=RDHeIMBTAx2Zw&start_radio=1

 I Woke Up This Morning With My Mind Stayed On Jesus

Consider This! - Matthew 1:18-25 - Fourth Week of Advent

 

Matthew 1:18-25

¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about^[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet^[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,^[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”^[d] (which means “God with us”).

²⁴ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. ²⁵ But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Consider This!

A couple of poor people about to be made richer than any riches on earth could give. Someone, prophesied about, would actually come into being. They were the very type of people that would be eager to have a Messiah come into their lives, especially at their time in history. But, I think, the Messiah came into their lives in a way that they least expected for a Messiah to arrive.

Christ came to save mankind from their sins. This birth is to be adored.  This birth isn’t into original sin; this birth is perfectly NOT in original sin and free of sin.  Jesus came to save mankind from their sin perfectly; not as one IN our sin.

A little background at this point may help our understanding of this situation.  The time between what was called betrothal and marriage was of uncertain amount of time. Like any engagement today would be for various lengths of time.  But among the Jews of our Jesus’ time, the amount of time, was commonly for a whole year in the case of maidens. During that time the bride-elect remained in her own home, and did not see the bridegroom till he came to move her to his own house. All communications in the meantime were conducted through “the friend of the bridegroom” (John 3:29). The couple had time to think seriously of the great change they were soon to make in their lives, and to seek unto God for his blessing upon them. And they might talk to each other more freely about their life together, and about how they wished their family to be, before the actual marriage ceremony.

Mary knew what the deal was, with her current condition in pregnancy. Mary knew it was by the Holy Spirit she had become pregnant; both because she was sure she had not known another man, as she told the angel, and because the angel had assured her, the Holy Spirit should come upon her, and the power of the Highest overshadow her.

Just as Adam was born of God through the breath of the Spirit; Jesus IS God through the Spirit and born of Mary a virgin.  And here Joseph is blessed to be an earthly father of the Messiah and play an important role in the lives of Mary and Jesus as Jesus grew.

So, Joseph, being a good guy, looked for a nice way out of this embarrassing situation. There was an alternative, which made a way of divorce easy, a way for himself called  a “writ of divorcement,” which did not necessarily specify the grounds for divorce, except in vague language implying disagreement (Matthew 19:3). The matter could be settled quietly without exposing why the divorce.

Was Joseph called to action by God here? There were two ways to approach this situation, in public or in private. What led Joseph to the privacy choice? Did Joseph see something more at work here? Did Joseph believe in Mary’s divine grace? Did Joseph see God at work, knowing that Mary would not deny him her loyalty?

Thoughts were, no doubt swirling through Joseph’s mind, like thoughts that perplex and make one wonder about the future. What is going on? Sleep on it, Joseph, before you do anything rash.

Yet God takes care of Joseph. God sends Joseph direction and clarity as God speaks to Joseph through an angel, while Joseph was asleep and dreaming.  That’s all Joseph needed, angels all around.

How could anyone not believe in angels? God is so gracious to send them at just the right time as we are a needy bunch of sinners.

The angel gave Joseph the will to take action.  More than just being a nice guy, but a guy taking Mary home and treating her as his wife. Nice is one thing, but nice in action is an entirely different kind of love.

Fear not! Do not hesitate, or have any doubts about Mary’s goodness and purity. Do not fear that she will be unworthy of you, or will disgrace you.

When we are perplexed or worried, stop, think it over, turn to Scripture, listen to friends, and listen to the voice of God. All just might be made clear from an angel. You never know.

This is a big deal here.  God through the angel even reveals what to name this baby that he has sent into this world. Jesus, our Savior.  JESUS, from the Hebrew meaning "Jehovah the Savior."

This Jesus came into our world to save mankind from their sins. This was the great business of Jesus in coming and dying. It was not to save people in their sins, but from their sins. Sinners could not be happy in heaven. It would be a place of wretchedness to the guilty. The design of Jesus was, therefore, to save all of us from sin.

All of this IS and FULFILLS God’s prophecy, just as God told it, in years past.

Now we hear the words of God through the prophet Isaiah.

God spoke to Joseph through an angel and gave Joseph all the faith he needed to believe what he had been told. How does Joseph respond, now that he has the gift of faith and belief in God’s Word? Joseph, gladly does God’s will at any expense necessary.

How, today, do we receive God’s Word? How, today, do we receive faith to believe?

Look around, centuries of believers, inspired by the Holy Spirit have spelled out through words, God’s activity of giving the faith and belief needed. Look to the Bible, the writings of the Word, the voice of the Word in the pulpit and even through the testimonies of believers all through time. It’s all there in the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. God comes in Word, Promise and Earthly Elements with gifts of faith and belief. Listen to the Word of God. It’s all there and freely given to you. Turn to God and seek forgiveness and He gladly pulls you, a sinner, into relationship with Him to save you from your sin. Joseph heard the Word. Now listen!

And now you have it.  A first-born son of the beginning of something as old as creation yet as new as salvation. Jesus the first, as He was there in creation, the last, the only God in flesh and blood is coming to us here and now

Jesus breaks into our carefully planned out lives and surprises us. Jesus breaks through time, and even our time, to come to us in flesh, blood, and Spirit. We may carefully plan our lives, we may carefully do all the things we think are necessary to continue in our lives today, but that may not be what really happens. Jesus breaks through, while we are in illness, dying, planning, growing and living; and surprises us with His presence. Our plans are great, but don’t rely on them. The plan of God in life is always going to be a surprise. God’s plan is not my plan. God’s plan is beyond my plan. God’s plan leads me to turn from myself and see God’s presence. God’s presence comes in the way that I may least expect. So that, I have no choice but to accept His plan, and like Joseph, go along with God’s plan in joy and thanksgiving.

I would never be able to get into Joseph’s head to understand what he was thinking or feeling, but I can take from what I see happened to Joseph and live my life in the sure hope that God has a plan that He will reveal to me in my life and in my death. Even if that plan only comes a bit here and a bit there. Why? Because, I think God wants me to trust Him, and always walk with Him in the ups, the downs, the ins and the outs of life. So, once again, I fall back to the message I have heard all along this Advent Season.

Jesus comes! Listen to Him! Trust Him! Worship Him! Jesus IS God!

Consider This! Pause and ponder. Pause and ponder like people have done throughout time. God IS with you and calls you and gifts you with forgiveness and salvation.

Why? To love Him and your neighbor.

Pause and take some time to read the following passages of Scripture. In the quiet of your own time. Ponder this and reflect.

Isaiah 7:10-17

Just believe it --- easy to say – but the prophet testifies the Word of God – the birth of the Messiah from a virgin --- I can’t believe that – so I must accept what God tells me

 

Psalm 24

Look up! The King of Glory is coming in to you and to me- look!

 

Romans 1:1-7

Through Jesus we receive grace

 

And yes, we continue in this short Fourth Week of Advent to cry along with all creation…

 

Come, Lord Jesus, come… today… tomorrow… and forever --- Amen

 

I invite you to sit back and enjoy this YouTube video that inspired me this past week.

 

“Joseph, Did You Know?”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fzoLtD8TM8&list=RD8fzoLtD8TM8&start_radio=1

Joseph, Did You Know?

 

If You Are Willing to Accept It - Matthew 11:2-15 - Third Week of Advent

 

Matthew 11:2-15 NIV

² When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples ³ to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

⁴ Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. ⁶ Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

⁷ As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ¹⁵ Whoever has ears, let them hear.

 

If You Are Willing to Accept It

Well, here we see John the Baptist in prison. He wasn’t treated badly in prison. Herod like to hear John preach. Herod took notice of John’s words. So, why was John in prison?

Herod had thrown John in prison to get his wife off of his back.

Matthew 14:3-4 NIV

³ Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ⁴ for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

 

John’s disciples could come and go, and they were witnessing what Jesus was doing. Why hasn’t anything changed from John’s prison perspective? John wasn’t delivered from prison and he was sick after all. So, John sent two of his disciples to Jesus.

John wanted a little confirmation as to Jesus being the Messiah. Maybe it wasn’t really that John doubted that Jesus was the Messiah, but his disciples may have wondered why John was languishing in prison, sick and confined. So, John sent them to Jesus to confirm their doubts and to satisfy their curiosity that Jesus IS the Messiah.

What does Jesus do? He sends them back with an assignment of sorts.  Guys look at your Bible and read Isaiah 35:5-6, there IS your proof, compare that with what you see happening.

Isaiah 35:5-6 NIV

⁵ Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
⁶ Then will the lame leap like a deer,
    and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
    and streams in the desert.

 

Was this a ploy to have Jesus declare Himself as the Messiah, in public? Or, was it just a simple question, in need of confirmation and answer. John had already heard the voice of God at Jesus’ baptism, after all. How often did Jesus’ own disciples fail to hear that Jesus was the Messiah? Even today, many can’t hear, or choose not to believe that Jesus IS God. We all fall guilty.

 

Take back a report of what you see. Kind of like today, go witness to what we see Jesus doing in our own lives and proclaim the Gospel of forgiveness, grace and salvation.

 

Isaiah 61:1 NIV

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,

 

Jesus’ combination of power and tenderness, could be none other than the expected King, the Messiah.

 

Prophets had foretold of the Messiah, by the power of God. Jesus, therefore, performed the works which none but the Messiah could do, and John might easily figure that He was the Christ.

 

John may have been urging Jesus to tell them plainly whether they ought to transfer their allegiance to Jesus or not.

 

I think John somehow knew that he was on his way out. John had done his important work of announcing the Messiah. Now it was Jesus, God, here and now, that will fulfill the timeless mission that God the Father had planned all along.

 

A warning was needed. Jesus gave this warning in the form of a beatitude.

 

Happy is he who shall not take offense at my poverty and lowliness of life, so as to reject me and my doctrine. Don’t get hung up that Jesus was poor and lowly by this world’s standards.  He IS the Messiah!

 

 Jesus turns, before the messengers were out of hearing, to bear His testimony to the work and character of John, and how John’s part in “Pointing to Jesus” IS necessary. Like you and I can proclaim the forgiveness of sin and salvation as a gift as we too, “Point to Jesus.”

 

John was the real deal! He was doing what he was sent to do. Listen to him, as Jesus turns us to Himself.

 

John wasn’t like a rich king or a powerful ruler, look at how he dressed, look at where he grew up, look at what he ate.  John was a humble man with a powerful message about the Messiah’s presence NOW and in eternity. Look!  John wasn’t attracting attention to himself.  NO!  He was pointing to GOD IN THIS world, in flesh and blood, God IS here!

 

Yes! You may have went out to see what was going on, out of curiosity, but what you saw in that wilderness was A prophet, maybe even THE prophet, the one to usher in, or open up your eyes to Jesus the Messiah, and The Kingdom of God.

 

People, this John the Baptist, IS the one to “Point to Jesus.” He has been told about in the past.  Go read your Bibles! --- (of course, the OT Bible of today!)

 

John may not look like much, he may dress funny and eat strange food, he may live the life of a poor man.  BUT, don’t be fooled!  The greatness of men is measured by a divine standard, not a human standard. 

 

Since John started preaching, there has been a great change in the people.  It was from the time of John’s preaching that men began to press into the kingdom, and the earnest believers won their way in. For the preaching of John was the pinnacle to which all prophecy tended.

 

The prophets of old, did their work pointing to the kingdom of heaven in the far-off future of the latter days, but John saw it close at hand, and proclaimed its actual appearance. John saw and witnessed to the fulfillment of all the prophets past. The Messiah IS real and IS here NOW!

 

The words of Malachi…

 

Malachi 4:5 NIV

⁵ “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.

 

He that hath ears ... - This expression is used by Jesus all the time. It is an expression used often. And often we should heed Jesus simple words. Listen to Him!

 

In our lives and in our day, we are called, as John the Baptist was called to “Point to Jesus.” This happens in many ways. The Holy Spirit has gifted each of God’s Children with various talents. Some are called to “Point to Jesus” with words that witness God’s teachings. Some are called to “Point to Jesus” by acts of kindness, others through gifts of love for one another. And this calling to “Point to Jesus” probably will change throughout different stages of life. As we age, God gives us wisdom to impart to the younger generation, like life experience. Many have musical talents that proclaim God’s glory. Some are able to perform physical work for neighbors. There are many ways to use the gifts of the Spirit, but ALL must “Point to Jesus.” As we “Point to Jesus,” God calls out new believers to Him to join with all the faithful in that glorious Feast to Come.

 

So, accept the words of John the Baptist to “Point to Jesus.”

 

What a great road to walk! Walk WITH Jesus and ALL believers.

 

What a joy it is to praise God!

 

Be patient.  Jesus IS coming… today… tomorrow… and forever.

 

Come Lord, Jesus, come.

 

I invite you to enjoy this YouTube Music Video about John the Baptist “Point to Jesus”

 

Voice of the Wilderness

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cBk4FqYTks&list=RD_cBk4FqYTks&start_radio=1

Voice of the Wilderness

 

 

 

Pebbles - Alive! - Matthew 3:1-12 - Second Week of Advent

 

Matthew 3:1-12 NIV

3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” ³ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

⁴ John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. ⁵ People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. ⁶ Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

¹¹ “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹² His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

 

Pebbles – Alive!

The baptism by John was not for the unclean only as would be the previous custom in the Jewish tradition. The baptism by John was for ALL people.

The practice of washing in Exodus mentions…

Exodus 30:20 NIV

²⁰ Whenever they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the Lord…

 

Exodus 40:12 NIV

¹² “Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water.

 

Leviticus 8:6 NIV

⁶ Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons forward and washed them with water.

 

You can easily see that the washings mentioned here are for the priests. Yes, it was ceremonial, but it wasn’t the same as what John the Baptist was doing. What John was doing was kinda like it but for ALL people.

 

I like the way John the Baptist preaches the message of God and the Gospel. He is bold, crude, yet humble.

 

After the prophet Malachi, came John the Baptist. John came out boldly telling the people to repent. To change their minds, or better than that, to have their minds changed. John wanted ALL the people to look at their way of life and think it over. Look at your own sin, and return to God and to God’s mercy and forgiveness. To get ready for Jesus by looking in the mirror and seeing your sinfulness and confessing that sin before God and one another.

 

Think about John for a moment. John was only 6 months older than Jesus. He came baptizing. Well baptism was a Jewish rite to admit proselytes. But like I said before, John’s baptism was just enough different from what the Jews knew that it caused some curiosity to develop. What was this?

 

John came out preaching or proclaiming. John came out crying out loud and in the open, publicly. John was a “country” man, so the wilderness was like we would think of being out in the country where John was raised. John was at home in the wilderness.

 

We too, become accustomed to our own wilderness. We may not like it, but we get used to it, and sometimes get too comfortable with it and make it home.

 

So, what can we take from this?

 

It’s okay to preach from where you are… anywhere you are and proclaim God’s gift of Jesus, loudly and boldly to any and ALL who may be curious enough to listen.

 

Now let’s go back to this “wilderness” stuff.

 

The wilderness pops up all over the Old Testament and the New Testament. So, the thought of the wilderness would come to mind in the Jews of John’s Day as a place to leave and move on from, to, God’s promises of a land of bread, milk, honey, wine and good living in the presence of God and His people.

 

In the wilderness Jesus was tempted. But He came out of it. Kind of went back into the wilderness when He was tortured and crucified and killed on a cross. But He came out of it at His resurrection.

 

And John preached in the wilderness. People willingly came into the wilderness out of curiosity to hear John preach. The people went into the wilderness and confessed their sins and were cleaned by John as a preparation for the coming of Jesus into their lives.

 

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness right here where John was preaching. The wilderness is a necessary place for all of us. In the wilderness is where God gives us the gifts we so desperately need, as God draws us “out” of the wilderness to a new life with God. Play that thought out in your mind and in your spirit and give God thanks!

 

In the wilderness, John calls for us to repent, to make a change of mind. To turn to God as God turns you to Him.

 

 

Paul reminds us this way…

 

 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV

¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

 

John is clear here. The Kingdom of God IS NOW! Now is the time for the Spiritual Eternal Kingdom of God.

Listen to these Words from the Old Testament book of Daniel…

Daniel 7:13-14 NIV

¹³ “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. ¹⁴ He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

John is clearly telling ALL the people that Jesus IS here! The Messiah has arrived!

When we think of this message from John we are called to repent. To feel awful and sorry for our sins against God and one another. We are called to examine our lives with the full force of the Ten Commandments in mind. We ALL have broken not one, but all of the Ten Commandments in the depth of what their meaning really exhibits in our lives. It’s necessary. Not as a guilt trip to self, but to point out our need for a Savior. And that Savior IS here and now!

Yet, likewise, when we see the message of Jesus, life, suffering, death, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension back into heaven; as God draws us into faith and belief in His love, forgiveness, and grace; we can’t help but to respond gladly and joyfully to all God has given to us, through no effort of our own works.

 

In this wilderness of John, he IS the guy “Pointing to Jesus!”

Listen to this account from Isaiah…

Isaiah 40:3-9 NIV

³ 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.
⁵ And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

⁶ A voice says, “Cry out.”
    And I said, “What shall I cry?”

“All people are like grass,
    and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.
⁷ The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    because the breath of the Lord blows on them.
    Surely the people are grass.
⁸ The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of our God endures forever.”

⁹ You who bring good news to Zion,
    go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
    lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
    say to the towns of Judah,
    “Here is your God!”

 

 

John deliberately dressed like Elijah… sort of… think of sack cloth and repentance before God. An Old Testament custom so that you could feel how uncomfortable your sin was to not only yourself but to God. Something the people around you could see, knowing that you were either mourning or sorry for your sin.

And, John ate locust and honey among other stuff. The food of the poor. John was a living example of those Jesus came to save. The poor, the sinful, the outcast, the migrant, the sick, and on and on.

The people that came out into the wilderness to listen to John and be baptized were under Roman rule. The people really, really, wanted someone to save them from their oppression and suffering. So, the people went to John to hear him preach.

But think about it. As the people went OUT to John to hear him preach; a little later, we would see Jesus going TO the people to preach, teach, and live out His saving actions, right before their eyes. In both approaches, God comes to us. One is like the LAW, and the other approach, like with Jesus, is the GOSPEL of forgiveness and salvation.

With John, we, even today are awakened to our need to repent.

Now to those who believe they are different, maybe better, maybe self-righteous by practice or works…

John calls them out as “vipers.” The most poisonous of snakes, the vipers. Those who believe they are made right in the eyes of God by works. I think deep down these people really know of the need to repent before God.

But if you have the opinion that your own righteousness places you in God’s favor, you have just dug a deep chasm between yourself and God. Salvation is not about what YOU DO, it’s about what God DOES for you.

 

So, we are called to make a change that bears fruit for neighbor. Really God makes the change in us as He turns us from repentance to life in Him. Fruit is a result of God’s work in you, NOT your own doing. Fruit on a tree is not something the tree does, it’s what the life in the tree causes to come to life and freely give.

Many claim and inheritance to the saving acts of God. Pooh! As John relates in this passage, when we claim this as in “We have Abraham.” Pooh! Pooh! Jesus can bring up even the pebbles by the Jordan river to be raised to be Children of God!

A descendancy does NOT make you righteous. Only Jesus can make you righteous… and that by what He did, NOT what you do. So, even Christians today, should know, that too.

The message from God is, don’t delay! Repent NOW! OR--- You won’t even have a chance to bear fruit. Get on it, folks!

But “Wait! There’s More!”

Here the more is Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

Repentance?

Just wait, Jesus IS going to fan the winds of the wheat and the chaff. Jesus is going to fan the flames of the Holy Spirit. Now, there is a great separation of good grain from that useless chaff. The time IS here NOW. Like then as well as today. The time IS NOW. The winnowing fan will purge the floor and the ONE Church IS formed. The ONE Church, unlike many of the churches today, but ONE full of true believers.

Pebbles… get ready. We have true believers gathered together as Children of God.

Hear and receive the gift of God’s forgiveness and love in Jesus.

This IS God’s Kingdom of Believers. Be baptized --- Bear fruit --- Believe it!

Come, Lord Jesus, come… today… tomorrow… and forever --- Amen

I enjoyed this YouTube Music Video this week… It reminds me of how each and every believer should Preach the Gospel in Word or Action…  It’s a little forceful and funky but right to the point, just like John the Baptist…

“John the Baptist”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1viykNBQLKY&list=RD1viykNBQLKY&start_radio=1

John the Baptist