Acts 13:22-26
22 When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his
testimony about him he said, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man
after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.’ 23 Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,
as he promised; 24 before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of
repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his work, he said, ‘What do you suppose
that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to
untie the thong of the sandals[a] on his feet.’
26 “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who
fear God, to us[b]the message of this salvation has been sent.
Reflection: When I was in high school, my youth group put on a production of Godspell. My favorite part of the play was the beginning when John begins singing, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” In a quiet sanctuary (or a theater, I’m sure), the song resonates with fullness and excitement that make its listeners want to get up and move. In preparing for Christ, John reminds the audience that one is coming who is greater than himself- one whom he is unworthy to even tie his sandals. When John meets Jesus, John stands in awe of the man before him because he knows he has met his savior. In all of his waiting and preparing, John recognizes immediately the presence of Christ and the gift that is being offered to the world.
Reflection Questions:
Morning: How do you wait or prepare to encounter Christ?
Noon: How does waiting or preparing enable you to recognize Christ in your everyday?
Evening: Listen to “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” and imagine how it must have felt for John to meet Jesus.
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