Jonathan on 9 March 2005

Luke 3, Isaiah 5 & 6

Scripture
Luke 3:3-6
“He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading of forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet: Thunder in the desert! “Prepare God’s arrival!Make the road smooth and straight!Every ditch will be filled in, Every bump smoothed out,The detours straightened out, All the ruts paved over. Everyone will be there to see the parade of God’s salvation.”

Observation

How I admire both John and Isaiah in the way they boldly proclaim good news and bad. These guys had serious guts, or as some would say, balls of steel. They did not speak flippantly from arrogance or a mere moral high ground - as they spewed forth Gods message it came from a rock solid foundation of trust and compelling belief in God and his Word.
These were ordinary men, generations apart, calling out the same uncompromising message of God’s plan for the world. It’s one thing to be like Jesus himself, but even these mere mortals provide for ample aspiration.

Application

The question that has weighed heavily on my heart, mind and soul this season has been, What does it mean to be an evangelist to our generation? When I was in Singapore, God reminded me of the important role of Signs and Wonders in the book of ACTS. Today he is calling me to find the faith that will lead to a boldness, fearlessness, courage, able to match the faith in the hearts of John and Isaiah.

Prayer

Father, give me faith that leads to action. Overwhelm me that I cannot seal my own lips; may your wisdom, your message and your Spirit pour forth from my lazy and gutless voice box. Use my tongue O’ Lord to release the wonders that you reveal to my heart. In the precious name of Christ I pray these things. Amen.