July 28 Now

Luke 3:1-2 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar –  when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene – 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.
 
AS Luke gave to Theophilus (and unknowingly to us) a sure time to mark Jesus’ birth using Rome’s rulers at the time, he also gives a sure time reference to Jesus’ ministry. Remember, Luke was writing to Theophilus to prove Jesus’ humanity and Jesus’ divinity. Theophilus would have sure resources to check Luke’s writings. Luke had to be accurate, or Theophilus would likely reject Luke’s proof for Jesus’ identity.
    Also, note how Luke sets the stage for what he is yet to write. Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, Annas and Herod, the tetrarch1 of Galilee, will all play a significant role in John’s and Jesus’ ministries.
    As important as it is to know these historical facts, we must focus on the history changing fact: The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. The Lord God, which means the Almighty One of Absolute Control, has moved all the events of time and people to this moment. Remember, John was born for this moment: Luke 1:15-16 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.  16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.  
    John was conceived through Zechariah and Elizabeth in the Holy Spirit’s power. He has grown, and God has prepared him for this moment. As the Olympic Games approach, you could use the metaphor that John is the athlete a coach trains for years to perform at his peak at just the right time. The Lord God has prepared Judea’s rulers, John and Jesus for this time. All are about to enter center stage to live out God’s eternal redemption plan for the Jews and then the Gentiles. God has told John, “Now.”
    How about you? It is an inescapable truth to know that if you say, “I’m a Christian.” the Lord God has acted throughout time to call you to this historic confession. You are not an accident who happened to walk into the Kingdom of God to say, “I’m here. Aren’t you glad?” Instead, you are chosen to a grand purpose. God’s revealing Word, a true preaching church and encouraging friends are your training tools. The Lord God instructs you to prepare yourself for the moment he says, “Now.”
 
Prayer: Lord God, I pray I am purposeful to pursue true training to minister your love when you say to me, “Now.” In Jesus’ name, amen.