December 17, 2017 John 1:19-28 Worth everything    Third Sunday of Advent – Joy

Rejoice for God has given all so you can have all.

Psalter Reading Psalm 126:1-6

1   When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2   We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.   And the other nations said, What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” 3   Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy! 4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert. 5   Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6   They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. 

Psalm 126:1-6 NLT

19   This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20   He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “ Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23  John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:  “ I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,  ‘ Clear the way for the LORD’s coming!’” 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25  asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.                                             John 1:19-28 NLT

Joy is the ability to celebrate all God is and has done in spite of what we are going through.  Joy knows God will save us either from or through what life brings us.

God was willing to give all so our sins could be paid for and so we could have a relationship with God.  God allowed His Son to take on humanity and become a helpless baby.  After the angelic choir, the adoration of the shepherds, the proclamations at the temple and later the worship of the wise men Herod would attempt to kill Jesus.

Many times Jesus would be threatened by those who found Him inconvenient or even a threat.  Long before the crucifixion Jesus had “humbled” Himself over and over.

I used to tell children at the congregations I served that Jesus wore diapers, went through potty training, teething, learning to read and write and the terrible angst of those between or “tween” years.  As a Jewish male Jesus would not be able to marry and have a child which is expected of a first child.

But we like John also have to give all!

26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

We must be willing to see ourselves as unworthy of even being a slave of God even though God was willing to offer His “only begotten” Son for us!  For without the intervention of God we could never have reached for God even if we wanted to.

Is faith in God and having a relationship with Him worth everything to you?  Are you willing to give your all to the God Who gave His all for you?