Bible Soundbites
Monday, 11 August 2008 00:00 | and posted in John
People from all over travelled out into the wilderness to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptised them in the Jordan River. Mark 1:5
“Hey Bob.”
“What’s up Jim?”
“There’s this John guy in the middle of no-where who is getting people to tell their deepest secrets and then he throws them in the river”
“And that makes sense?!?”
“Beats me. But then they get to go home and make a fresh start.”
“Huh…”
“Bob…?”
“Yeah, Jim?”
“Do you wanna go take a look with me?”
Tuesday, 12 August 2008 00:00 | and posted in John
John wore clothes made of camel hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey. Matthew 3:4
This guy is just not interested in blending in. Even then he committed fashion crimes worthy of column inches. John “the Baptiser” was a man on a mission, and he wanted everyone to know it – even if it was his alternative (to say the least) lifestyle choices that first drew attention.
This mission was no ego trip - John was the “teaser” campaign for something far more outrageous!
Wednesday, 13 August 2008 00:00 | and posted in John
John announced: ‘Someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am – so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave.’ Mark 1:7
John’s ongoing problem was he needed to attract attention to share his message, but the message itself was about the need to look elsewhere for satisfaction. It’s hard to deflect attention to others, and especially when that means being overlooked ourselves. When we are telling others about Jesus, are we willing to put his fame above hopes of being applauded for being his messengers?
Thursday, 14 August 2008 00:00 | and posted in John
John’s disciples came to him and said, “Teacher, the man who you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you said was the Messiah, is also baptising people. And everyone is going over there instead of coming here to us.” John 3:26
Well done John; Jesus is man of the hour. Except… what now?
His options: (a) celebrate a job well done and head to Top Man for new clothes…, or (b) fight his corner with his companions – “this river ain’t big enough for the two of us and I do the baptising around here.
However, it’s secret option ‘c’. It’s time to swap the wilderness for a royal prison.
Friday, 15 August 2008 00:00 | and posted in John
John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus. Matthew 11:2
Trapped and hurting behind bars doubts started to plague John. What he had confidently thought before, that Jesus was the Messiah, he began to doubt. He needed something more than the rumours he was hearing to know it had all been worthwhile.
It’s ok to doubt, but when you do follow John’s example and go straight to Jesus with your questions.
Saturday, 16 August 2008 00:00 | and posted in John
Herod was in awe of John. Convinced that he was a holy man, he gave him special treatment. Whenever he listened to him he was miserable with guilt – and yet he couldn’t stay away. Somehow John kept pulling him back. Mark 6:20
John was imprisoned for insulting Herod, yet the local ruler still wanted more. Herod was surrounded by people who bent the truth and flattered him to gain favour and promotion. But John was neither scared of Herod or spoke anything other than the truth… What kind of man was this?
The truth may be painful, but it sure is compelling.
Sunday, 17 August 2008 00:00 | and posted in John
‘I beheaded John’, Herod said, ‘so who is this man about whom I hear such strange stories?’ And he tried to see him. Luke 9:9
John is dead, but his job of preparing people for Jesus was also well executed (groan) we see his work continue on. Herod’s appetite for truth remains unsatisfied and he is eager to meet this new and much more radical preacher called Jesus.
We may not see the affect we have on others for ourselves but never underestimate the way God can use our smallest efforts in big ways…