Luke moves from the rule of Caesar Augustus to the rule of Tiberius Ceasar (Augustus’ son in law and step son) indicating that much time has passed by. Including Tiberius the other rulers mentioned in this passage such as Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Philip,and Lysanias were known to rule people with cruelty. The High priests were also corrupt as well. Again, we see that the WORD of GOD coming down to someone who isn’t rich and popular but to John who we last read about in Luke 1:80 living in the desert, being strengthned in the SPIRIT. When HE receives the WORD of GOD, he makes his first public appearance to share the good news. HE tells them that a new RULER is gonna be in town!! Back in those days when a ruler enters a town or a city the roads are generally paved for his smooth journey. But, John here isn’t calling to the people to pave actual road, he is calling them to pave the crooked roads of their hearts filled with sin. He is calling them to a baptism of repentance so their hearts would be ready for their KING. John is not preaching something new here, but that which the prophet Isaiah said is being fulfilled now. This KING is not like the usual ones who use people for their gain. This KING has come to give HIMSELF to the people. And this time the WORD of GOD isn’t gonna come to just a few, but all flesh would see GOD’s salvation as the WORD becomes FLESH for them. What an amazing KING HE IS!!
Self reflection:
1.Why is quiet times in the wilderness being strengthened in the SPIRIT important before a public appearance?
2. All of us are like the rulers mentioned in the first few verses. How is the arrival of the one true KING make you feel?
No comments:
Post a Comment