My relative, Elizabeth had a child shortly before my Son was born.  It was quite astounding since she was way beyond child bearing years.  However, this was all part of God’s amazing plan for the world.  When her son, John was born, his father Zechariah said these words,

“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

John would prepare the way for God’s salvation by being the voice in the wilderness that would bring many to repentance through the refreshing waters of baptism.  He would be the forerunner of the Light of the World. His message would lay the ground work.  My boy would fulfill it.

This was an entirely new message for the people.  We had lived under the bondage of the law for centuries.  Traditions, laws and animal sacrifices were part of it.  They were our way of keeping God’s commandments, but they were impossible to keep. There was no sacrifice or offering that could pay the ransom for sin.  We were all slaves to it.  My boy grew up with these traditions and knew them better than any rabbi.  Even as a child, His reading of the scriptures resonated with people.  It was as if He wrote the words Himself.

John went on to preach repentance and continued to baptize many with water, but he also pointed the way to a mightier One who would follow and baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.  More words to ponder on …