Advent Devotions December 9

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

There is some curiosity that surrounds John the Baptist. There is something in his voice and the passion that he exudes through his proclamation that draws people in. While some people turn away from him thinking he may be some false prophet, others are attracted to the message that he is sharing: The promise of the Messiah that is to come after John prepares the way.

The people are not drawn to the way that John is dressed. They are drawn to his words. He draws people into the wilderness, which is not a place that people wander about willfully. The wilderness is where Moses and the people of Israel wandered for 40 years. It was the wilderness that they were eager to leave. John draws them back into the wilderness to share the incredible news of Jesus.  What draws you into the places that are challenging? John comes bearing hope and a promise which alleviates the challenge of the wilderness.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord, we give thanks for women and men that call us into something greater. We pray for the wilderness places in our lives and ask for your presence with us as we enter into them. AMEN.