Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 3:19-20.
TEXT: But Herod the tetrarch who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his
brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, added this to them
all, that he locked up John in prison (Luke 3:19-20).


"How dare he challenge me like that? Doesn't he know who I am?" Like most
wealthy, powerful people, Herod didn't want anyone telling him he was wrong,
especially not a young wilderness wanderer, who went around wearing camel's hair
and eating locusts and wild honey. The Baptist didn't like Herod's choice in women,
but wasn't that Herod's own business? True, he had married his half-brother Philip's
wife, the ambitious Herodias. But what was that to John? It was fine when John
was laying into the Jewish religious leaders, but Herod thought his family should
be off-limits.

But God had sent John to confront sinners, so they would acknowledge their
sin and find forgiveness in the promised Messiah. It didn't matter how high and
important you were. John knew it was better to face up to your sins now, so God
could take them away. The alternative was to wait until life was over, and you were
standing before God's judgment seat.

Herod should have listened to John's words and repented; instead, he seized and
arrested John. He added this to his many other sins. Not only had he refused to
heed John's timely warning and escape the wrath of God, he cut John off from the
people, who desperately needed to hear God's warning too.


THE PRAYER: Almighty God, Your Word confronts my pride and my sin. For Jesus'
sake, move me to repent of my sin and seek Your forgiveness. In the Name of Jesus
Christ, Your Son, I ask this. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture:

Read Luke 3:21-23.

TEXT: When Jesus had also been baptized and
was praying, the heavens were opened, and the
Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like
a dove (see
Luke 3:21-22).

For 30 years Jesus had grown and lived in
obscurity in the northern region of Galilee, working
as a carpenter alongside His father Joseph. None
of His neighbors knew His true identity. But now it
was time to set aside those carpentry tools and
reveal Himself to the people of Israel. The great
Son of God made His way to theJordan River to be
baptized by His prophet John.

As He steps out of the water two amazing things
happen. Something in the form of a dove comes
down from above and lands on Jesus, while a voice
from heaven thunders, "You are My beloved Son;
with You I am well pleased."

The "dove" was the Holy Spirit, who came down
from heaven to set Jesus apart from all other Jews.
It singled Him out as the promised Messiah (Hebrew)
or the Christ or "anointed one" (Greek). The booming
voice was that of God the Father; He declared His
approval of Jesus' life from childhood to this point.

Winning God's approval is no small feat, for God is
far stricter than any human father. He demands
complete and perfect obedience in all our thoughts,
words, deeds and desires. And that is exactly what
Jesus accomplished. Every day of His life He
completely obeyed God's will. Now He goes to work
completing His great mission to save all people from
sin, death and God's fiery judgment.


THE PRAYER:

Almighty God, when the time was right, Jesus began
revealing Himself to His people. Through this season
of Lent reveal Him to me as well.
I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture:

Read Luke 3:15-18.
TEXT: As the people were in expectation, and
all were questioning in their hearts concerning
John, whether he might be the Christ (Luke 3:15).


If John were here today, he would have a lot to
say about our fear to confront those who live
contrary to God's Word. He was a bold and
powerful preacher; he was unafraid to stand up to
the self-absorbed religious leaders or to expose
the errors of powerful political rulers.

It's not difficult for the crowds to see the power of
God at work in his ministry. So we should not be
surprised to hear them asking if John might be the
great prophet that Moses predicted long ago. Is this
the Messiah God had promised to send?

But John immediately set the crowds straight.
However powerful he might be as a prophet, he is
nothing compared to the One who is coming.
Compared to Him, John is like the lowest house
slave, unworthy even to stoop down and lay his
fingers upon the sandals of the great Messiah.

Even now, this mighty Son of God is living in Galilee.
Soon He will come to John to begin His ministry, by
which He will accomplish His great rescue mission.
John baptizes with water, but the Christ will pour out
the Holy Spirit and His cleansing fire upon those who
hear and believe.

What thoughts must rush through those crowds,
hearing the long-awaited Messiah is near? What
thoughts cross your mind when thinking of Jesus,
who not long ago was that tiny baby laying in
Bethlehem's manger? How amazing is it that He will
soon stride forward in humility and poverty to save
the world?


THE PRAYER: Almighty God, thank You for sending
Your great Son to save us from death and hell. Accept
our thanksgiving and praise for Jesus' sake. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)