When God Says …
“And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” (Luke 3:15-17 KJV).Expectation is highlighted in these passages. The people at this time were eagerly waiting for the arrival of the promised Messiah, who they thought shall deliver them from oppression, and establish the long-awaited kingdom of God. "The people were in expectation," for the fulfillment of God's promises. When John the Baptist appeared a surge of excitement was triggered, him being the first voice heard coming from God after a long silence of hundreds of years since the prophet Malachi.
Using the football game as analogy, where key plays in a game determine its outcome, it often depends upon the guys who are overlooked — the men "in the trenches," the offensive and defensive linemen. However, most coaches and sport analysts suggest that turnovers and skilled positions, driven by star players, are crucial to a victory. But looking deeply, the outcome of the game is mostly determined by the players whose work is seldom discussed and noticed unless they mess up.
John was one of those men "in the trenches." He kept a huge following for himself. He was a star and immensely popular. But, John kept his integrity and didn't change his message to pander anyone, even an adulterous king Herod (Matthew 14:3-14). John stuck to his assignment, pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ and away from himself. He stayed in his lane, admitting himself not worthy to untie the Lord’s shoelace. Hence, the Lord Jesus Christ emphasized that John is the sort of servant who is the greatest person in His Kingdom. John's example is the kind of stardom each of us can and aim to be (Matthew 11:11). Serve!
The winnowing of wheat analogy is a reminder that we will be purged by fire. Yes, John baptized in water which symbolizes the full emersion in God’s Word to be cleansed of sins. But the Lord Jesus cleanses by fire. It is written, Scriptures affirm as apostle Paul testifies: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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