Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

John prepares the Way.

Luke 1v17 “[John will] make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (NIV)

Continuing our advent theme, this week we consider John the Baptist.

All four Gospels tell us that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit for ministry as John the Baptist baptised him. It is fascinating that John, a mere man, should be so instrumental in the empowerment of Jesus’ ministry. He was instrumental because he was “filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth” and was  obedient to God’s calling on his life.

Yet it is only Luke gives the story of John’s birth and God’s calling on him from before he was born (see Luke 1v5-25, 39-45, and 57-80).

John acted in obedience to the prophecies about him: prophecies which were handed to him second hand by his parents. In his ministry, John had no precedent to follow, but was tracking a new path. His message was blunt and his instructions were practical. He faced significant opposition. His message was also forward looking – even prophetic – as he announced about Jesus, “But one more powerful than I will come … He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Did John ever have doubts? I am sure he did (e.g. Luke 7v18-20), but he kept returning to the truth and carried on.

In what ways is God calling you to be like John the Baptist? A call to track new trails? A need to hold onto God’s prophetic promises whether in the Bible or spoken specifically over us? Sharing a simple but confrontational message and face opposition? Preparing the way for Jesus in people’s lives?

May God enable us to be “John the Baptists” to people this Christmas season – filled with the Holy Spirit and obediently preparing a people for the Lord.

With love and blessing,

Roland