DECEMBER 22 - Mystery, Fire, and the Messenger
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 30:18–20; Isaiah 40:1–8; Malachi 3:1–5; Malachi 4:1–6; Matthew 11:7–15
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“Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a virgin.” — Proverbs 30:18–19
“A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” — Isaiah 40:3
“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.” — Malachi 3:1
“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.” — Matthew 11:11
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There’s something captivating about a good mystery—whether it’s a plot twist in your favorite show or trying to understand why people act the way they do. Proverbs 30 talks about the wonder of things we don’t fully get, like how love works or why certain things move us deeply. Isaiah 40 and Malachi 3 bring up another kind of mystery: the arrival of God’s messenger, preparing the way for something huge.
Fast forward to Matthew 11, and we find out that John the Baptist was that messenger—bold, gritty, a little wild, and completely focused on getting people ready for Jesus. But even John had doubts sometimes. So, what does it mean to prepare for Jesus—and to recognize Him when He shows up?
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Preparation Takes Action: John the Baptist wasn’t just talking—he lived differently to help people wake up spiritually. What are some ways you can "prepare the way" for God in your life today?
2. God Works Through Messengers: John had a purpose: to point people to Jesus. You don’t have to be famous to do the same. Who in your life might need hope, comfort, or truth—and could you be the one to share it?
3. Not Always What We Expect: People expected a flashy king, but Jesus came quietly, healing and teaching. Are you open to seeing God work in unexpected ways—in your school, your friendships, or even your struggles?
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BOTTOM LINE
God sends messengers to prepare us—but we have to be willing to listen, even when the message challenges us. Like John the Baptist, we’re invited to live lives that point people to Jesus.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me to recognize Your voice and Your messengers in my life. Give me courage to live in a way that prepares the way for others to know You. Even when I don’t understand everything, help me trust that You are moving. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.