15th. December. 2020. Daily Devotion.
19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’
21 They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’
22 Finally they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’
23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’
24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, ‘Why then do you baptise if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’
26 ‘I baptise with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ John 1:19-27
Here, John the Baptist recalls the prophecies of Isaiah, that a child would be born who would bring redemption to Israel and to mankind at all ends of the earth. He announces the coming of Christ to all who will listen, saying that there will be one who comes after him, who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit and redeem us from our sins.
One great attribute of John was that he accepted exactly what God had set out for him: no more, no less. He was to live in harsh conditions, primitively, eating insects and wearing skins like a caveman, then giving all the glory to his slightly younger cousin; after this, he was to be jailed and beheaded. He did have a great deal of glory and the wonderful satisfaction of knowing how many people he had helped to find salvation.
As Paul says, we are one body with many parts, and each part has its function, none greater than any other. Let us remember, then, all of those who serve Christ without external glory, without making much money or getting a lot of praise and status. The people who quietly organize and clean up and make food for events, the people who stand all day ringing bells to collect money for the Salvation Army, the volunteers in the church library — all the saints of God who serve Him without much recognition.
An Advent Prayer
God, grant me the grace to be patient and vigilant in watching, waiting, and listening attentively, so that I won’t miss Christ when he comes knocking at my door. Remove whatever hinders me from receiving the gifts which the Saviour brings — Joy, peace, justice, mercy, and love. And let me always remember that these are gifts that are only received by giving; let me remember, during this season and throughout the year, the downtrodden, the oppressed, the outcast, the prisoner, the weak, and the defenceless, with my prayers and with my substance. In the name of Christ I pray, Amen.
For Those in Need of Strength
I pray, Lord, for all who will need strength and courage in the day ahead: For those who face danger. For those who risk themselves for others. For those who must make an important decision today. For people who are seriously ill. For all whose lives are affected by the coronavirus, and all who are engaged in the fight against it. For those facing persecution or torture. I ask you, Lord, to give them the power of your Spirit, Amen.
