After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. (Luke 7:24-26)
Over the last couple days, I’ve pictured John Travolta dancing in Saturday Night Live, but replacing the Bee Gee’s words with More than a prophet. I’ve cherished my husband’s gifts of unconditional love, Christian writing retreats and conferences, and his support of my time spent for each project I feel called to. I’ve treasured my children’s concern for my health and keeping in touch by Zoom during this coronavirus outbreak. I’ve valued my sister’s support reading and commenting on every word I write. So, I’ve changed the song’s title to More than a husband…More than a daughter…More than a son…More than a sister. And I’ve asked the question: How can I be more than?
Jesus sees John as a man with backbone, studying God’s word and practicing it, not swaying in the wind and mixing God’s wants with the world’s wants. He sees John living off the land, wearing camel skins and eating locusts and honey, serving his Master only.
Father God, continue changing my heart. Show me how to be more than a child, more than a parent, and more than a sibling. Help me not to be a reed swayed by the wind or aspire to living in a castle of luxury. Thank you for Jesus’ perfect love and His words that teach me how to follow Him
If we care about being a wife, a mother, a sister and an aunt, don’t we aspire to being more? Maybe some people don’t care about being more or doing life better than the day before. I believe if you have a moral compass and integrity you try and see your faults and sins and do it better. I am not saying that I am always successful in being more but I think about it and try. Sometimes I see my mistakes immediately and repent. Sometimes it takes years to realize what I did wrong. We should all aspire to be more like John the Baptist in serving our Master. I believe that will help us be more.
You are definitely more. Thanks Sis!