Sunday 5 Dec 2021

December 5: Luke 3:1-6

Key Verse: Luke 3:4
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

Devotion:
Have you ever been asked to do something for your church and refused because you didn’t think you could do it? The first time I was asked to do Christian youth work I doubted myself and said I didn’t think I could do it… but after a bit of encouragement I agreed to come along and take a few steps toward doing the work. Before too long I was in charge of the youth group and continued to do Christian youth work right up until I was admitted into hospital a couple of years ago.

I was scared I would not be able to live up to the name the previous youth leader had built up – I was thinking about me instead of thinking about what God was asking of me! The more we focus on what we can or cannot do, the more lost we become in our limitations and the less we will be able to do for God. But when we allow God to guide us and simply listen to what He is saying, our work for Him will be turned around and become what He wanted in the first place!

When John heard the calling, I’m sure he would have had doubts about what he could do, but he listened to God and obeyed his calling. God was not calling John to convert as many people to Christianity as he could. He was not asking John to be a pre-show before Jesus came on the scene! He was asking John to faithfully tell people the true gospel story.

Our task is not to do God’s work for Him. Our task is to listen to what God wants us to do and to faithfully obey God. He is asking us to prepare the way, not to build the roads, but to show people which direction the road is in. Our task is to guide people towards God so He can have the full attention of His people – not to make us the centre of attention or the hero… God alone is God!

Points to Ponder:
Do you get worried you cannot do God’s Work?

Have you tried showing people God instead?