Wednesday, March 15, 2023
As a church we are reading through the book of Luke in the weeks leading up to Easter. If you haven't signed up yet, text Luke to 419-419-0707. The LivingItOut devotions will be elaborating on one aspect of the Luke reading for that day. Please note that because of this, you will receive the LIO on the weekends to correspond with the Luke Reading Plan. The LIO will return to its regular M-F schedule, upon the completion of Luke.
We serve an amazing God who loves us and is trustworthy. In fact, the Bible contains many prophecies and promises, and God delivers! One such prophecy can be found in Isaiah 40:1-5, in which we are told that someone will be coming out of the wilderness, making the way for the Lord.
In Luke 1, we learned that God heard Zechariah’s prayers (Luke 1:13). Not only was Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, barren, but they were both too old to have a child. That didn’t stop God—he uses the impossible to show his power. He made a promise and he kept it!
They named the baby John, just as the angel instructed. John grew up and waited patiently for God to call on him to fulfill the prophecies.
Luke 3:4
Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”
John was living in the wilderness when he got his calling. He started preaching for people to turn to God for forgiveness. He reminded everyone of God’s greatness and told them to repent of their sins.
John preached with great passion to the people. Crowds gathered around him to learn more and be baptized. People were drawn to him because they needed the promise of hope—to know God could hear their prayers.
He told them their lives should prove they had repented of their sin. They were instructed to give food and clothing to the poor. He told tax collectors not to take more than required and told soldiers not to make false accusations or use extortion but be satisfied with their pay.
Many wondered if John was the Messiah, but when asked, John remained humble and stayed true to his purpose.
Luke 3:16
John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals.”
John fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 40:1-5. God promised a man would come out of the wilderness, and there was John, announcing the coming of our Lord.
God promised a Messiah, and there was Jesus!
Luke 3:21-22
21 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
I believe deep inside all humanity is a desire to be close to God and feel his presence and power. One of the best ways to grow closer to him is through prayer. He’s listening, I promise!
Questions:
Do you think God hears your prayers? Does God have a purpose for you? Have you been baptized?
Next Steps:
Start a prayer journal and record your prayers so you can look back and know God hears you. Attend GrowthTrack to discover God’s purpose for you. Come and be baptized on the first Sunday of the month.
Prayer:
Father, I believe. I believe that Jesus is your son and that he died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. Forgive me of my sins, Lord. I willingly give my life to you and ask that you send your Holy Spirit to live inside of me to guide me. As I seek a relationship with you, open my eyes to your truth and teach me. Thank you for all that you have done and will do in my life. These things I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.