Post by Woody Williams on Dec 9, 2009 7:34:04 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Luke 7:24-30
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When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds
about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A
reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone
dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live
in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A
prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one
about whom it is written,
'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'
I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John;
yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (And all the
people who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged the
justice of God, because they had been baptized with John's baptism.
But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers
rejected God's purpose for themselves.)
Devotional
----------
John had one job. He was to prepare the way for the appearance of
Jesus and the kingdom of God. John's message sharply defined the
issues of justice and righteousness, and called the people to
repentance over their failures in these areas. John had the great
privilege of preparing for Jesus. Those who responded positively to
John's message discovered the wondrous grace of God's forgiveness.
Those who rejected John's message, rejected the joy of the Gospel and
stayed in their hard hearted condition.
Prayer
--------------
Empty my heart of self absorption and soften it to receive the gift
of your love anew in Christ Jesus, loving God. Amen
----------
When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds
about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A
reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone
dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live
in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A
prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one
about whom it is written,
'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'
I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John;
yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (And all the
people who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged the
justice of God, because they had been baptized with John's baptism.
But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers
rejected God's purpose for themselves.)
Devotional
----------
John had one job. He was to prepare the way for the appearance of
Jesus and the kingdom of God. John's message sharply defined the
issues of justice and righteousness, and called the people to
repentance over their failures in these areas. John had the great
privilege of preparing for Jesus. Those who responded positively to
John's message discovered the wondrous grace of God's forgiveness.
Those who rejected John's message, rejected the joy of the Gospel and
stayed in their hard hearted condition.
Prayer
--------------
Empty my heart of self absorption and soften it to receive the gift
of your love anew in Christ Jesus, loving God. Amen