SEPT. 25, 2013
Insignificant
Read: Luke
3:2-6,15-18
The Word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. —Luke 3:2
“Movers
and shakers” are people climbing the ladder of influence and success. Luke 3
mentions seven prominent leaders who exercised control in the society of their
time.
Roman Emperor Tiberias Caesar held the power of life and death over
people in his
far-flung empire. Pontius Pilate represented Rome as governor of
Judea; while Herod,
Philip, and Lysanias kept people in line at the regional
level. Annas and Caiaphas served
as high priests, taking their religious
authority seriously.
While
these power brokers flexed their political muscles, “the Word of God came to
John
the son of Zacharias in the wilderness” (v.2). Who could seem less
important than this
obscure man living in the desert and listening for God’s
voice? What could John the
Baptist possibly accomplish by “preaching a baptism
of repentance for the remission of
sins”? (v.3). Yet multitudes came to John
seeking truth, turning from their wrongs, and wondering if he could be the
Messiah (vv.7,15). John told them, “One mightier than I is
coming . . . . He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (v.16).
John’s
life helps us understand what it means to be significant in God’s eyes. Like
John,
may everything we say and do point others to Jesus.
Lord, help us to surrender our desire for influence
and success to You. May our heart’s desire ever be to be
used by You to further Your kingdom.
Make our lives a living testimony of You.
Our surrender to God precedes His significant work in our life.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
