Luke 3

In this chapter, we see the humility of John. This I love about him. He demonstrates what it means to be a servant of God and particularly a servant of Jesus. He knows what truth is – he speaks it boldly to the people who flock to hear this strange wild-looking, wild-living man in the wilderness. It reminds me of a book about reaching people I cracked a few months back by Craig Goeschel, “Weird – because normal isn’t working”. John’s definitely not-normal message was working with people – they came out to see him and hear him essentially beat them up with his proclamation that they all needed to repent form their current way of life. That they were the “brood (offspring) of vipers” and that they needed to not just verbally repent, but “bring forth fruit (deeds) in keeping with [their] repentance.” That there was a right way to live and that they had left it far behind – and therefore needed to repent and return. How often do we need to have someone (hopefully a fellow-Christian who knows us well enough) come to us and say, “Stop!” doing something that is destructive to ourselves, or to others or to our relationships? Do we long for it, for true righteousness in ourselves and others like John did. John call the Israelites to repentance, and, surprisingly, many listen. Remember that John is the one set aside from his conception (Luke 1) by an angelic visit to be a unique voice for Jesus, preparing people to hear and see the Son of God.

Even in the midst of this significant ministry, John knew he was just the introduction, the prologue, for the much bigger story of Jesus, but that didn’t stop him from putting his whole heart and soul into his transient role. Could we do the same? Could we be people who take whatever role God gives us and play it out with passion and gusto, whether it is big or small, prestigious or lowly, enduring or transient? Can we do this without looking at the hardships, the trials, the side-tracks and temptations of the world that would distract us from the significant roles God has called each one of us to? Can we run the race with endurance (Heb 12:1,2) like John did?

After the prologue comes the main Agent of Salvation – Jesus Christ. John makes the transition for us by stating that “One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Jesus honors His Father by submitting to the baptism of John, which becomes a filling with the Holy Spirit and a divine affirmation of Jesus as God says for all of the universe to hear, “You are My Beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.” In this moment, John’s ministry is fulfilled. He had patiently persevered the stares, the rejection, the loneliness of his ministry of preparing the way for Someone greater. And when that Someone came on the scene, John was content to “decrease” (John 3:30 – He must increase; I must decrease). How willing are we to do the same? Can we let Jesus increase in our lives while our wants and needs are secondary? Can we make our lives all about making much of Jesus instead of actualizing ourselves? Can we realize that God has mysteriously and miraculously wrapped up His Glory and our good, so that we believe that everything that brings Him glory works out for our good?

Prayer

Lord, help us to be men and women like John, who are willing to do whatever role, normal or weird, easy or hard, long or short, that You call us to. May we be willing to serve You faithfully and then step aside at a moment’s notice to ensure that the light shines on You, Jesus, for You are Worthy. Help us to serve like John and to decrease so that You may increase. Help us to hang on your every word and be able to say like Mary said and John lived, “may it be done to me according to your word.”

TOM ALBERS | Elder Chairman

Tom committed his life to Christ as a junior in high school in 1975. After moving to Austin in 1995, Tom and Cindy attended Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park before becoming part of the HCBC Pflugerville and Hutto Bible church plants. Tom serves as a Small Group Leader and in Youth ministry and in other ministry oversight roles. Tom and Cindy were married in 1986 and are parents to Will, Emily, Clare, Hannah and Nathan and grandparents to Owen.