An Unlikely Messenger

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Matthew 3:4-6 (NLT) John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

When reading the Gospels, it’s easy to look down on the Pharisees. But as we’re reading it’s important to remember that the Pharisees, in general, were not looked down upon by many in their culture. They were well educated and had memorized the first five books of the Old Testament word for word. They knew the Old Testament Jewish laws really, really well. They most likely dressed well, and performed marriage and funeral ceremonies often. 

John the Baptist, however, was very different. He didn’t have fine clothing or quality foods. Nor was he as well educated as the Pharisees. He was an unlikely messenger, yet was somebody people traveled for miles and miles on foot to see and hear the message he proclaimed. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 3:1-6 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice)

QUESTION: Is there an unlikely messenger in your life? Somebody who God may be working and speaking through yet you hesitate to listen?

QUESTION: Have you considered the possibility that God may be inviting you to be an unlikely messenger in the life of somebody else?  

Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the life of John the Baptist is very interesting. He was not at all concerned with power or authority, but was instead concerned with understanding and teaching Your word. He did not study the Old Testament law to teach it, but to live it out. Today, may I live as he did – living out Your principles in Your power. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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