We all have a unique calling of God, let us be found every day in fulfilling that call
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The German language has not changed significantly over the 500 years since Luther worked on his translation, here is the same statement, courtesy of Biblegateway.com, from the 1545 Luther Bibel: ‘Bereitet den Weg des HERRN.’ The use of the capital letters: HERRN, reminds us that the gospel writer is quoting a passage from Isaiah chapter 40 where the word LORD is in capitals, signifying that this is the Hebrew word often transliterated as Yahweh. The Lord God himself was coming! A bible commentary (NIV) on this Isaiah passage reads: ‘the language has in view the ancient Near-Eastern custom of sending representatives ahead to prepare the way for the visit of a monarch. The picture is that of preparing a processional highway for the Lord’s coming to Jerusalem.’
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All the gospels record that John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Many people both from the countryside and the city of Jerusalem went out to him. Those who were genuine about confessing their sin and determined to lead a more righteous life, he would publically baptise in the Jordan. The Jewish people knew about baptism, but it had only been for gentiles who wanted to become Jewish converts. This was new teaching to them. John continued to warn and prepare the people, this is his message in Mark 1: ‘After me will come one more powerful than I, the throngs of whose sandals I am not further to stoop down and untie. I baptise you with water but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’
So, let us who know the living Lord Jesus, continue to live our lives being led by the Holy Spirit. We all have a unique calling of God, let us be found every day in fulfilling that call. And let our prayer be that of the early church who spoke in Aramaic: ‘Marana tha’ or ‘Come O Lord’ or ‘Unser Herr kommt’
Author: Richard Windridge
May God bless and enrich your life
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