Saturday, December 10, 2011
John 1:26-27 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."
HUMILITY FOR ADVENT
Entitlement is something this generation struggles with, especially in most parts of the United States. What am I entitled to? As a citizen of the U.S.A. I could probably make a pretty hefty list of rights that I have in this country, for many of which I am very proud and thankful. But it seems like many people today take that one step further. The main proof of this is the simple lack of respectfulness and overall self-centeredness that plagues our current society.
Advent is a time for us to be think carefully about Christ's coming at Bethlehem. The Almighty God showed such great selflessness that He was willing to take on our human form, to walk this earth, and to die on a cross for the sins of the world. John pointed to this Advent of the Christ when he called attention to Jesus as being the One who was promised by God to come to fulfill the plan for our salvation from sin. Jesus wasn't proud. Jesus wasn't boastful. Jesus did not come expecting to receive what He was entitled to receive. No. He came with all humility. He came as a sacrificial lamb for me and for all the world. He came not to BE served, but TO serve -- and to give His life as a ransom payment for the world.
John's words give us an attitude that we pray be ours not only for the season of Advent, but for all our life. We are NOT worthy of Christ! We are NOT worthy of His love and mercy. We are NOT worthy to even be His most lowly servant. We are NOT worthy to bend down and loosen His sandals from His feet. But Jesus has called us to be His own and has promised us much more. He has given us the hope of spending eternity with Him in His mansions as His brothers and sisters! What joy! What love! What excitement to receive freely something we were NOT entitled to receive at all! But until that Day, I look forward and pray that I would always joyfully desire to serve my Lord and Master with all humility, just as He so faithfully serves me!
