Luke 3:1-6
Suggest further reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-18
The world is always controlled by Satan and evil (often called human good). But it was extremely wicked when Christ came into this world! Our passage lists a few of the political rulers when the ministry of John began (the gospel is rooted in history). But rulers like Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Annas, and Caiaphas are men who are well-known for their wickedness. When the rulers are wicked, what must the people they rule be? Amid this wickedness, John is commissioned to be Jesus’ forerunner—the world needed to be warned and prepared for His coming.
We must never despair that the wickedness of our times will overcome God’s truth! For when things seem most dark and hopeless, God may be preparing a mighty deliverance. Let us avoid any discouragement that would weaken our efforts to be faithful to the Lord because of the wickedness of our times or the number and power of our adversaries. Let us persevere in faith that the Lord will return in God’s own time.
John the Baptist was sent with a message from heaven and with all his heart he undertook his marvelous work. Like John, all ministers of the gospel, must have an inward call from God and an outward call from man. This call need not be a vision or voice but an inward call that demands that he put his hand and heart to the work of the ministry that God commits to him.
Let us pray daily that Christ’s true church may have only those who are truly called of God because an unconverted minister is an injury and burden to a church.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
