Friday, December 3, 2010
Matthew 11:9-10 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare the way before You.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT OF THE MESSIAH'S PROPHETS?
The Lord sent John to make the way ready for the Messiah. John would also identify and point out Jesus as the promised one, One whose sandal straps he was not worthy to loose. This is what God expected of John, and when people studied the Old Testament book of Malachi this should have been apparent as well.
What do you expect of the one bringing you God's Word this morning? A reed shaken by the wind? One who flips-flops on God's Word and simply tells you everything that you want to hear. Do you expect one in soft garments who seeks out your favor and approval? I hope not. Those are lowered expectations. What you should expect from one delivering the Word of God to you is one who does not sway with every wind of opinion, and one who does not change God's Word to gain popularity. That is what you should expect of one giving you the Word, and of yourself in giving it to another person. You should have that same expectation of yourself as you speak for God in your family, in the workplace, at school, while at play in recreation.
The Lord has set the bar high in His expectations. But what a great thing that He fulfills them. In particular we can expect of Jesus not that He was merely a baby in a manger in some Hallmark moment, but that He found His way to the cross to be your Savior. He has also seen to it that down to this very day and age the truth of His Word has been preserved. Have those high expectations that God gives for the Messiah. After all, what do you expect?
