August 1 It’s God

Luke 3:15-17 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
 
WHY were “all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ”? They wondered and asked because something miraculous was happening in Israel. Remember John’s purpose was told to his father Zechariah: Luke 1:16-17 “Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Indeed, the miracle of changed hearts was affecting many. God created John for a purpose. John is fulfilling his work. As people are wondering, “Is he the Messiah?” God is preparing their hearts and minds to be more open to Jesus when he begins his ministry.
    As John was anointed with a preaching ministry, he was also given the necessary humility to step back when it was time. In the human sin of pride, which we all deal with, it could have happened that John would say, “Look at everyone following me! I’m important. I’m popular. Why should I give way to Jesus?” Of course, he knew his role. His humility and submission were as God-given as was his preaching and baptizing work.
    As mourning our sin is a key to change in our lives, so humility is a vital ingredient of Christian living. God gives us work to do. When we do the work, he causes it to grow and flourish in his time and his purpose. No pastor builds a church. God builds his church. No missionary transforms a community. God transforms a community. No Christian bears fruit for the Kingdom of God unless God is nourishing the work (see John 15). When you see God act through your work, be sure to give God the credit. Praise his work. Thank him he uses you. Help others see that the good you do come from God. When you do, they will be prepared to see him in their own lives.
 
Prayer: You are the reason for all good things, Lord. Thank you for the way you use me to build your Kingdom. In Jesus’ joy I celebrate your work through me. Amen.