September 18, 2019: SOAP #3576:  Ezekiel 45-46; Luke 1

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 1:14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 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.

Matthew (NIV) 11:11  I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Observation:   The angel was explaining to Zechariah about the son that would be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth.  He was to name him John.  My attention was drawn to the phrase, “…he will be great in the sight of the Lord.”

Later Jesus said no one alive was “greater than John the Baptist.” …except Jesus.

What is there that makes one “great in the sight of the Lord.”  God’s estimation is worth more than the opinion of anyone else.  John was willing to fulfill his purpose even though he had no choice in it.  John was humble.  John was willing to stay out of the mainstream of life.  John was willing to play second fiddle—to take a back seat.  John was willing to be overlooked.  John sent His disciples to Jesus.

Application:  Like John, I must come to the realization that life is not all about me.  It is all about Him!  Doing His will, bringing glory to Him is more important than my comfort.  Like John, “He must increase; I must decrease!”  (John 3:30)  John was great because his life was all about THE GREATEST!

Prayer:  Jesus, you are the servant of all; yet without question, you are the greatest.  Whatever value I have is in my relationship to you.  May you increase and I decrease.  Be glorified in me, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!