The People Were in Expectation

Daily Reading: Luke 3

Scripture Focus: As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all… (Luke 3.15-16a)

Devotional Thought: America needs a savior. Hatred lashes out, violence escalates, and terror multiplies while fear takes over and desperation reaches for any answer. Our borders are porous, our values are crumbling and our security is slipping away. We find our nation searching for somebody to reestablish sense and order to this chaotic world. I think that explains the rise of charismatic political leaders who promise the impossible.

In today’s chapter, Luke 3, John the Baptist bursts on the scene with flashy, in your face, take-no-prisoners, I don’t care what you think bombastic preaching. The Baptist was so unlike other preachers of his day. The politically correct, non-offensive, cozy-up-to the powers that be, leaders of the temple were not about to upset the system that lined their pockets and assured their power. But the people were “in expectation.” They were “questioning in their hearts whether John might be the man they were looking for.

John answered them all: It’s not me! But there’s one coming who is the answer! And he pointed to Jesus.

I believe that people today are ripe with expectation – or at least with a desire for some common sense! The coarsening of culture, the rise of terror, the stagnation of the economy, and the duplicity of our political leaders have people wanting something more, something real, something with promise. That’s where they need us to say that there is an answer. His name is Jesus!

People will see you – the hope that you have, the peace of your heart, the “success” of your family – and will wonder what is different about you. Like John, we need to “answer them all.” What’s different? It’s Jesus!

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you came into a world that desperately needed you. Though they did not recognize you or accept you, you came. I pray that you will come today to our world so desperate for peace. And, may my life reflect your presence in this world. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD! 2 Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD! 3 May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth! (Psalms 134:1-3)