Luke and The Lost
My grandson has joined marching band. Being from a musical family, we are proud of this “step” for him. He is at band camp this week. He is discovering that there will be a ton of steps for him as he learns to march in precision while playing his heavy instrument. He is tired but he is committed. We watched his school’s band march recently in a large parade in downtown Fort Wayne. All the players, lined up, were doing their best to do their part to keep in step with the beat. It was an awesome sight to see.
As we read our next passage in Luke, I am reminded of Jared and his band lining up for their big parade. Everyone takes their place in line. Luke presents us with all the current leaders in charge before introducing us to the work of John who we know as “John the Baptist”. Luke points out that John’s work (assigned and led by God’s Spirit) was prophesied by Isaiah many centuries before it happened. Every player is in place. Let “the parade of God’s salvation” begin.
Luke 3, The Message
1-6 In the fifteenth year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius—it was while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod, ruler of Galilee; his brother Philip, ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, ruler of Abilene; during the Chief-Priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—John, Zachariah’s son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet:
Thunder in the desert!
“Prepare God’s arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!
Every ditch will be filled in,
Every bump smoothed out,
The detours straightened out,
All the ruts paved over.
Everyone will be there to see
The parade of God’s salvation.”
What do we learn?
–John, son of Zachariah who knew, obeyed God’s call to preaching life-change. John is passionate about his call.
–The parade of God’s salvation begins with John but John is not the leader of the band.
More about John tomorrow….we are merely lining up for the parade at this point.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I love reading the story of You. I love thinking about how You work in the lives of Your creation. I love knowing that You know all, are in all and above all. Thank you for being with us. Help me to remember that You are in charge and at work always. Direct and guide my life. Transform me. I’m listening.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 