12.04.2009

Advent in Your Everyday: Day #6

Today's Photo: "Chilly Leaves"

“And the child grew and became strong in spirit and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.” - Luke 1:80


Earlier this week we discussed the miraculous birth of baby John (future title: John the Baptist) to his parents Elizabeth and Zechariah. Today, we’re going to look at the years that followed.

We don’t get much biblical help when it comes to filling in the blanks of John’s early life. In fact, we basically just get the verse printed above. He lived in the desert, growing and getting spirit-strong. What was he doing out there in the desert wilderness all those years?

John’s dad was a priest. As my friend mentioned to me yesterday, John the Baptist was more-or-less a P.K. (Pastor’s Kid). He probably grew up with a lot of pressure on him to do great things! Look at the song his dad sang about him the day he was born in Luke 1:68-79!

Interesting, we don't hear stories about John growing up in the temple learning about the priestly life. We don't hear stories about him memorizing the Torah. Instead, we get one verse which states he hangs out in the desert. Learning, growing, turning into a man, finding his identity, waiting for cousin Jesus to show up.

Advent can act as a miniature desert respite for us all. A little time to find a plot of desert ground and plop ourselves down for a seat. A little time to gain, like John, some strength of spirit.

3 comments:

  1. hi emily, i like john the baptist because his humble attitude. i think that john's life is not just for jesus but for god and himself. thank you for your biblical meitation.
    (and i'm wonderring that you are the person whom i met in a class of dr. thomas at lutheran theological seminary. if you are that person, i'm really happy to write you more with email )

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Okhee!

    Yes, I did take a class with you during a J-term with Dr. Thomas. How are you?

    I hope all is well!

    ReplyDelete
  3. hi emily, i like john the baptist because his humble attitude. i think that john's life is not just for jesus but for god and himself. thank you for your biblical meitation.
    (and i'm wonderring that you are the person whom i met in a class of dr. thomas at lutheran theological seminary. if you are that person, i'm really happy to write you more with email )

    ReplyDelete