DAILY READING
REFLECTION
What Would He Say?
By: Elaine Pierce
If John the Baptist was a guest preacher at UALC, what do you think his sermon would be about? Would he congratulate us for our lovely sanctuary? Our active missions program? Our outreach to our neighborhood? Surely those are things that please God? We might find ourselves squirming in our seats as he says "You brood of vipers!" which is how he addressed the crowds who came out to be baptized by him. This is not exactly from the 'how to win friends and influence people' playbook, is it.
John came before Jesus, as Isaiah prophesized, and his mission was clear: to prepare the way for the Lord. Many of his followers thought he was the Christ, but he told them in Luke 3:16 who he was:
"I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. "
John cautioned his listeners, who were 'waiting expectantly' for the Messiah that just because they were Jewish, descendants of Abraham, that they were not guaranteed to be 'free of the coming wrath.' Pedigree, the right family tree - that wasn't the key to eternal salvation: faith in Jesus as he produces fruit in our lives is what matters.
Yes, our buildings are lovely, and as we anticipate the reopening of our Lytham Road campus, we know that we will continue to serve God in this building. We generously support missions outside of our walls - in Columbus, in our nation, and around the world. But let us never lose sight of the fact that these things are the result of faith in Jesus - they are outward evidence of his work in our lives. The well-known preacher and writer, Tim Keller, summarizes the gospel like this:
We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.
PRAYER
Lord, I don't like to admit how sinful I am, but I come to you now on bended knee, knowing how much I need you and don't deserve you. Thank you for the gift of eternal life, and help me to serve you joyfully and produce fruit that is pleasing to you. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
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