Devotional 12-7-12

Preparing the Way

The lectionary readings for this week are about John the Baptist, from the prophet Malachi’s vision that he would one day come, to the prophetic words of his father, Zechariah, about what his son would do to prepare the way for the ministry of his cousin, Jesus.

Isn’t it fascinating how God chooses the most unlikely people to witness, prophesy, minister and act on his behalf to accomplish his plan? The Bible is full of their stories woven together to create the fabric of history. Even more surprising to me is the faith and willingness shown by those whom God picked. Many took great risks to do what God asked of them, some giving up everything they had known. Certainly Mary comes to mind as one who showed incredible faith and obedience when called to do something that sounded crazy, and John the Baptist is also a good example. A man who lived in the wilderness, wore animal skins and dined on locusts and wild honey hardly seemed the type to be God’s choice to prepare the way for the savior of the world and then to be given the honor of baptizing him. Would we believe Mary’s story or pay any attention to one such as John today? Probably not.

When reading a devotional recently I was reminded of two other unlikely people who also helped prepare the way for the savior’s arrival - Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Theirs is a wonderful story about love, loyalty and trust, but the author of this devotional also reminded me that it is important to remember their part in the lineage of Jesus. Obed, the child born of the eventual union of Ruth and Naomi’s kinsman, Boaz, was the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David, and therefore in the direct line of Jesus. Two poor, homeless widows were used by God to prepare the way for his son.

In this season of waiting and expectation, who prepares the way for us to receive into our hearts the savior of the world? More importantly, whose heart is God calling us to help prepare to receive his son? We all need to make time to listen for God’s direction and to follow his leading. God is still using ordinary people like you and me every day to prepare hearts and minds to receive Jesus, if we will let him. We may not find a place in history for our faithful actions, but the transformation that occurs when we share the love and message of our savior is far greater than any reward we could want.

Prayer:
Thank you, God, for those you chose to help write our history as Christians. May we continue to be reminded that you can use anyone to further your work in the world. Please continue to speak to us, and help us to listen for, and faithfully follow, your leading so that we might also make a positive impact in the lives of others and in the world. Amen.

Mary Taylor