Day 68 of 90 Devotion

Dearest e-votees-

Day sixty-eight of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. We have finished Zechariah and Malachi which completes the Old Testament (39 down, 27 to go). If you want to see the readings for our trip through the Bible you can follow this link:

www.christthegoodshep.org/biblein90days.html

Peace,
Karl

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Day 68 Readings: Zechariah 11:1-Matthew 4:25

We find ourselves straddling some major changes in the worship, understanding and theology of the people. The collection of books of the Old Testmanet ends with Malachi's words about the return of Elijah ushering in "the great and dreadful day of the Lord." If you go to a Seder meal (Passover) there is a place set for Elijah at the table. During the meal someone gets up and goes to the door to see if Elijah has made an appearance.

In Matthew, John the Baptist is doing his ministry of prophetic warnings and baptisms. People are going out to hear him and to be washed in preparation for what is coming. Jesus goes to him. John is hesitant to baptize Jesus. Jesus says it is necessary. Jesus is baptized. Immediately Jesus begins his ministry coming to the fore and John fades to the background. (see John 3:30 which some have reduced to a bumper sticker in "I < + >") John ends up in prison. John will be beheaded while imprisoned. John's time of ministry has come to a dramatic and grisly close.

Jesus equates in the gospels that John was the Elijah that was to come (see Matthew 17:9-13). John didn't perceive that. (see John 1:21) John unknowingly fulfilled the trailing passage in Malachi ushering in the new kingdom. We need not be always entirely aware in order to bring about God's plans and promises. God will do what God will do and we are a part of how God will bring that into being.

As we delve into the rest of the New Testament we have a better foundation to understand it (particularly books like Matthew and Hebrews) having spent time in the deep treasures of the Old Testament. God's promises while perhaps changing in that they become more expansive in Jesus Christ are sure and certain. May we discover the deep truth that every promise of God is "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1:20)


God, thank you for your promises that are indeed "yes" and "amen" in Christ. Help us rest in them. Amen.