My Patch

In the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
'Look I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
"Prepare the way of the Lord; make His path straight!"

John, Jesus' cousin was chosen to be this voice. Imagine what growing up with each other would be like. Did they play pretend roles of what this time would look like? Did they know their roles in each others lives? Jesus grew up knowing scripture as I am sure John did. When they looked at each other what did they see?

We know John came preaching from the desert, that he looked like a wild man with his camel hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and that he ate locusts and wild honey. What compelled the people to come to him? They flocked to him and were baptised by him. Were they that hungry?

We know that history tells us nothing had been heard from God for 400 years, that is some drought. Four centuries of people being born and dying without hearing a word from a prophet of God, a very dry time indeed. Finally John appears. Perhaps he reminded them of one of the old prophets, perhaps Elijah.

If John had come, was the Messiah coming as well, what an exciting time. John preached about the One coming after him, the excitement would be building and finally, when Jesus comes to be baptised, John announces Him.

We are called to prepare the way of the Lord. As we do this hearts and minds are being prepared to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord. We each have a patch. John was only preaching around Galilee and he only did this for a few short years, if that.

Our patch might be our families, neighbourhood or workplace. Do you know what it is? If not why not pray and ask God for a patch. Amen! Jesus wants you to be His voice. You do not need a soap box, just be a good friend.