Readings: Matthew 3:1-6, Mark 1:1-6, Luke 3:1-6 (Throckmorton §1)
After the birth narratives, the Synoptics all turn to the introduction of John the Baptist. He's an odd character, to say the least. Matthew and Mark give us an idea of how John looked: "John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey" (Mark 1:6, cf. Matthew 3:4). It must have been quite an image. Then, to add to all of this, John comes with a single message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 3:2, cf. Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3). What does that mean? Most of us may have heard the traditional definition: to turn around and go the other direction. But a couple of years ago, I was challenged to think of it in a different way: to radically rethink what we are doing. After all, you cannot change where you are going if you do not rethink where you are going. I think that's what John is saying: we need to rethink who we are and where we are going in light of the fact that the Kingdom of God is coming. What will that change about your life?
Prayer: Almighty God, we thank You that You sent John to announce the way of the Lord. We thank You that You invite people to rethink their lives in light of Your glorious Kingdom. May we hear that call and rethink our lives so that in our lives we can bring You glory; through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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