John the Baptist

February 26 – Today’s Readings – Luke 3-4 and Psalms 57

Welcome to the book of Luke. The writer (Luke) is the same man who wrote the book of Acts. He was a physician, travelled extensively with the Apostle Paul and seemingly became his long-term helper and scribe. He obviously did a lot of first hand research before he wrote this account because he includes things in his Gospel that other writers skip over. For example, the first two chapters of the book would probably have come from extensive interviews with Mary (Jesus’ mother) and perhaps Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s mom).

Here is a thought for you. At the age of twelve, Jesus stayed behind at the temple and spent three or four days speaking with and listening to the teachers of the Law. When His behaviour was questioned by His parents He simply replied, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” So, at the age of twelve, Jesus was already keenly aware of who His Father was. He was also very comfortable being in the Temple where the Law was taught and discussed. His parents, on the other hand, didn’t understand much of what He was saying – so it wasn’t Mary and Joseph who had been “planting Messiah ideas” in Jesus’ young mind. No, He already had divine revelation of who He was – yet He went back home with His parents and was subject to them till He began His public ministry at the age of thirty! Imagine, eighteen years of knowing who you are and what your mission will be – yet not doing anything about it till The Father said, “go”.

There is a lesson here for us. We must continually strive to do and say things when the Spirit tells us to and not before. If we keep in step with the Spirit, we will find ourselves working alongside God – not out of step and on our own like Moses was when, at an early age he took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian. There are divine appointments for us in life – a divine schedule for us to keep in step with – divine opportunities that require patience on our part – and open doors that require faith and boldness to step through. But consider this – Jesus accomplished more in three years of Holy Spirit led ministry than anyone else has ever achieved in a lifetime. Be patient and pray – wait on the Lord – but as He speaks to you, be working in step with the Spirit – ready to run!

On an unrelated note – did you notice the link between faith in God and victory over fear in our lives? (Psalm 56: 3,4&11). Into what kinds of situations does the Devil bring fear? – Your finances? – Your future? – Your relationships? – Imaginary situations like movies? Only in Christ is our life safe from fear, both present and future. Only in Christ are we secure, knowing that our lives are “hid” in Him and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Even death itself has been defeated and becomes a welcome thing where we can meet the Lord face to face. Remember John 4:18 says that “perfect love drives out fear”. I wonder if the opposite is also true – that perfect fear drives out love? Enjoy a “fearless” day.

Questions:

1. Give an example of a Spirit-led appointment you have had this week.

2. In which areas of your life do you feel that you are still in “God’s waiting room” the way Jesus was till the age of 30?

3. Make some further observations on the link between “faith” and “victory over fear”.