Our scripture this week is Mark 1:1-8, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight! John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John the Baptist is humble and truthful about his role in the kingdom, saying “I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals” (v. 8). None of us are worthy on our own, only because we are loved by God does any of this happen. God made us in His image to be in relationship with Him, in the coming of Jesus He makes a way for us to reconnect.
It isn’t possible without God’s initiative, but we are called to accept this offer of love and be an important part of His work in the world. As He did from the very beginning, God wants us to be involved in His creation, not just exist in it. God wants to work in us and through us to reach all His children everywhere.
Accepting this call and understanding how to live it out is our task. God has given us gifts to be used for the work and promised to be with us always. During this season of anticipation, let Him renew your sense of wonder and your desire to be part of the kingdom that is coming.
Heavenly Father, help us in the weariness that we feel dealing with the issues around us. Spark our energy, show us Your way and send us with new zeal to be Your people and do Your will. Amen.