Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Luke 3 and Psalm 19

It’s hard to imagine how John’s ministry made such an impact in an age of zero technology. All he relied on was word of mouth, and yet people came from across the whole region to hear his message, respond to the Word of the Lord and be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins. There really is no explanation other than the truth that the hand of the Lord rested on John. Because John remained faithful to the ministry he had been given by God and performed it obediently and humbly, God continued to awaken people’s interest and draw them to hear His Word through John.

By contrast to sop many in our day and age, John’s “success” in the ministry never went to his head. Even when his ministry was making such an impact that people started speculating about whether he might perhaps be the long-awaited Messiah, John remained focused and humbled, insisting: “I baptise you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.“

The rabbis of John’s day and age taught that they could require almost any service of their followers in return for their mentorship – except to have them take off their rabbi’s sandals. This was simply too humiliating a task to demand. But listen to what John said about Jesus: “I am not even worthy to untie the straps of His sandals.” John viewed performing the most menial of tasks for Jesus as the highest honour imaginable – one of which he did not deem himself worthy.

John’s birth had been miraculous, his destiny had been prophesied, his ministry was fulfilling the age-long hope of his nation, his preaching was powerful and anointed, and his popularity was astounding. If anyone had reasons to consider himself worthy it was John, and yet he remained profoundly humble. And because of his humility, the power of his ministry increased.

Life application: The turbine of a hydroelectric plant can only harness and release the power of the water if it is lower than the source of its power. Our lives can only be powered by the Spirit of the Lord if we remain humble and surrendered. His power only flows through our humility. Today He invites us to humble ourselves, stay obediently in step with the promptings of His Spirit, and allow Him to use us as He sees fit in every situation.