Daily Devotions – An Unlikely Crew

Daily Devotions – An Unlikely Crew

 

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

Mark 1:1-8

“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“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.’ ” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The 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. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And 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. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.””

 

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. He was not the most polished individual. His wardrobe was a little unorthodox, even for the time (camel hair vests were not in fashion yet). He was also, what we might call, an adventurous eater (locus and wild honey). Yet, John was raised from birth to have a heart for God alone. And God used this amazing and faithful man to herald the coming of Jesus. Has God ever used an unorthodox person or unexpected situation to get your attention? God uses all kinds of people and situations to prepare the way for his work in the lives of his people. As you pray today, thank God for all the ways he has spoken to you. If you’re feeling especially bold, ask God to use you to prepare the way in someone else’s life this week!