So often we find the...
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So often we find the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the New. This quote is from the Old Testament lesson for today. We don't know until the gospels who will fulfill that prophecy, but now comes John, Jesus' cousin, to proclaim Jesus' coming. Mary was there before either John or Jesus was born so they didn't get to meet until Jesus meets him in the desert. We should mention that the word gospel means literally "good news." That is why all the people rushed into the desert to hear John because his message was good news. It was good news to learn that all their sins would be forgiven if they allowed John to baptize them in the river. We lived near the desert in New Mexico, but our church was right at the foot of the mountains. It is the mountains that guide you across the desert. After we have been in the desert God will lead us his mountain.
When I was called to serve the mission in Nepal, I didn't know what I would be doing there until I obeyed. Then I discovered how fulfilling it was. In one sense it was like meeting Jesus again in the new converts who were just full of excitement. I may have learned more about Jesus in seminary, but these Nepali people knew Jesus and it was obvious. We saw it in their eyes and in the smiles on their faces. It is very exciting to meet new Christians. These new Christians were also often dressed in rags and they sometimes ate insects. One girl who lived in our mission house got so excited one day when a huge bug ran into the screen just outside our dining room table. "They are delicious!" she said and wondered at our lack of enthusiasm.
I had been brought up in a solid Christian home, but I was thirty before I met Jesus for the first time in my life. I knew he was there, but I had never really met him! Saint Paul sometimes makes a distinction between knowing and knowing about.
When I attended ministerial meetings it was clear to me which of the pastors really knew Jesus. It was also a discovery to know that they were from different denominations. I met Methodists, Baptists, and Roman Catholic priests who were full of Christ's Spirit. There were some fellow Lutherans who were not sure if they believed me. Jesus will show mercy on who he will show mercy, the Bible says. Baptism was a requirement, as John told the people. Those who believed him and obeyed could receive the second baptism of the Spirit, which is promised at our baptism. It is in Jesus' baptism that the people came to know him!
When I was called to serve the mission in Nepal, I didn't know what I would be doing there until I obeyed. Then I discovered how fulfilling it was. In one sense it was like meeting Jesus again in the new converts who were just full of excitement. I may have learned more about Jesus in seminary, but these Nepali people knew Jesus and it was obvious. We saw it in their eyes and in the smiles on their faces. It is very exciting to meet new Christians. These new Christians were also often dressed in rags and they sometimes ate insects. One girl who lived in our mission house got so excited one day when a huge bug ran into the screen just outside our dining room table. "They are delicious!" she said and wondered at our lack of enthusiasm.
I had been brought up in a solid Christian home, but I was thirty before I met Jesus for the first time in my life. I knew he was there, but I had never really met him! Saint Paul sometimes makes a distinction between knowing and knowing about.
When I attended ministerial meetings it was clear to me which of the pastors really knew Jesus. It was also a discovery to know that they were from different denominations. I met Methodists, Baptists, and Roman Catholic priests who were full of Christ's Spirit. There were some fellow Lutherans who were not sure if they believed me. Jesus will show mercy on who he will show mercy, the Bible says. Baptism was a requirement, as John told the people. Those who believed him and obeyed could receive the second baptism of the Spirit, which is promised at our baptism. It is in Jesus' baptism that the people came to know him!
