December 10: Jesus’ Secret Service

Reading:  Malachi 3:1; Luke 1: 5-17

Reflection:
Think of this:  John the Baptist is to Jesus as the secret service advance team is to the president.  Or, John the Baptist is to Jesus as the opening act of a concert is to the headliner.  In both cases, someone comes before the main attraction, either laying the groundwork for the arrival of the important head of state or warming up the crowd for the main act they really want to see. 

One year I had the opportunity to see former President Bill Clinton when he campaigned for his wife at my alma mater.  I decided to go because it’s not often you get to see a former president in person!  Even though he was late, the people were excited when he finally appeared. 

I found out prior to his arrival, his advance team visited my high school, making preparations, going through the heating ducts making sure there were no threats and visiting the local hospital to set up emergency plans.  Those of us in the crowd didn’t see all that work.  But it was an important job!

John the Baptist had an important job.  He is there, warming up the crowd, getting them ready for Jesus.  The angel who comes to Zechariah says John will “make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”  John knows he is not the headliner but takes his job seriously as he gets the people ready for the Messiah’s coming.  Through preaching, he attracts followers who eventually come to see Jesus as the one John cries out about in the wilderness. 

Do you see yourself as a John the Baptist type?  We should be preparing the way for Jesus’ second arrival to this earth.  That’s the focus of this season of Advent.  We are Christ’s advance team, getting others ready for the grand entrance of the main attraction that so many have been waiting on for so long. 

When the trumpets sound “Hail to the Chief” will you have done your part to “make for the Lord a people prepared?”  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director