The Town Crier Arrives

 ~~~Second Sunday of Advent~~~

~~~ Isaiah 11:1-10 ~~~Psalm 72 ~~~ Romans 15:4-9~~~ Matthew 3:1-12 ~~~

 

John the Baptist came before Jesus to 'prime the pump'
one might say. He was sent to prepare the way.
He was God's town crier...
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  

The kingdom of heaven was at hand because Jesus was coming to town.
John spoke with a certain urgency in his message.
Of course the Pharisees and the Sadducees were very curious.
They were quite content with their long held beliefs.
After all the Pharisees were experts in the law.
The proud Sadducees were the priestly aristocratic party.

How could anyone else know more than either of these two groups?
They sought out John to question his authority.

 

 

Imagine what they must have thought when John tells them...
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

 

 John is expressing his humility as he makes reference to the coming of Jesus.
The arrogant elders present would never bow so low
as to carry someone else's dirty sandals.
That would be beneath their position in society.

 

 We are presented with baptism in two forms...
the first being the baptism of water, the second
the baptism of the Holy Spirit, fire.
 

The baptism of water cleanses.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit comes after our salvation has been secured.
The baptism of fire is what leads us on our way.
The baptism of fire is the light for the path.
The baptism of fire is what keeps us moving forward.
The baptism of fire is that burning desire to be with Jesus in heaven.

Anticipating the coming of the kingdom of God is filled with blessings.