“In the fifteenth year of the rule of the emperor Tiberius—when Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea and Herod was ruler over Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler over Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was ruler over Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—God’s word came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. John went throughout the region of the Jordan River, calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. This is just as it was written in the scroll of the words of Isaiah the prophet, A voice crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled. The crooked will be made straight and the rough places made smooth. All humanity will see God’s salvation.”” (Luke 3:1–6, CEB)
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In the television world of reality show contests, the beginning of a program usually starts with ten or so participants. By the final show, the number is winnowed with dramatic pauses… to one.
Characters listed in this scriptural account – Tiberius, Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, Caiaphas, Zechariah, John, and Isaiah – could be presented in a similar way, highlighting their presence on the “big stage.” An ultimate future “show” introduces another participant, who’ll arrive upon the scene from where crooked paths are made straight and rough places smoothed out… focusing upon and speaking to God’s salvation. It’s not a contest however… rather a new channel. A contact for consolation.
Pastor Rich Wagner
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December 5th Second Sunday of Advent
Scripture Readings:
New Testament Philippians 1:3-11
Gospel Luke 3:1-6
