Messenger of Hope

Read: Mark 1:1-8 (NIV)

¹The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, ²as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

³“I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way”—

 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,”

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’”

⁴And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. ⁶John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Reflect:

In the very first pages of His written word to us, our Father God began to speak hope-filled words. He said He was making a way for us to know Him fully and to live with Him forever. Throughout the Old Testament, prophetic passages presented more and more details of that hope. For hundreds of years, mankind waited expectantly. Then a time came when the hope-filled voices of the prophets ceased. There was silence. No further words of hope from our Father God were recorded in the era between Malachi and Matthew. Still, mankind waited in the silence, probably wondering at times if God’s words were even believable.

Then suddenly, a loud booming voice was heard coming from the desert. Our faithful, loving Father had sent a messenger, John the Baptist, to speak convincing words that led to renewed hope. God’s words of promised hope were still alive! They were being fulfilled through His Son, Jesus the Messiah, who actually lived and walked among people on earth. The Son of God had come to restore our sin-broken relationship with our Creator — just as the Old Testament words promised. That message through John prepared the way for mankind to receive the truth of God’s awesome love, to repent, and to give themselves fully to Him. Today, that message continues to resound among us as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas — Christ Jesus, our living hope.

Act:

The culture of our day speaks so loudly that the still, small voice of God is easily ignored. We need to listen intently, then, for the voice of God to guide us in daily relationships with others. By the power of His Holy Spirit reflected through us, He can plant the seed of His hope in those among us who do not yet hope in His love and provision. For others among us who are struggling to hold onto the hope they once had, respond quickly when opportunities arise to encourage them. Like tender new plantings, they need to be watered with His word, spoken in love, and warmed by the light of His Son reflected through us, His body on earth — the church.

Pray:

Loving Father, we are so thankful for Your faithfulness in keeping alive throughout the ages the message of Your unending love for us. As we celebrate Christ Jesus here among us this Christmas season, we open our hearts to hear You lead us in how to be messengers of Your hope, right where we are today.

Nancy Hoffler