G. Archer Frierson
Chair, Austin Seminary Board of Trustees
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Advent Devotional for December 19
• Luke 3:7-18
Luke’s chapter begins by introducing us to this strange prophet named John and by reminding us of Isaiah’s prophecy. Our text today proceeds to narrate how the crowds had left the comforts of home and urban infrastructure to hear prophetic words and to be baptized! What kind of baptism was this amazing prophet, perhaps the promised messiah, providing for Jews? It does not appear to be the baptism for Gentiles converting to Jewish teachings. Even the soldiers mentioned in all probability were Jews, not Romans. The text offers samples of John’s radical preaching, words that for us today would be offensive. Surprisingly, there is no mention of people becoming incensed, offended, or leaving in protest. They had come with strange, messianic-like expectations, and their expectations and sense of wonder only grew! For all the strangeness of the prophet and of the setting for baptism, and for all the power of the preaching to repent (to “re-think”)—beyond all that John then points away from himself to someone greater and to more amazing things to come. His words cast the people beyond what they had been able to imagine! They had yet more and more to think through, much more to ponder.
They had come seeking to be baptized into a new way of life, and they were thrust into a deeper sense of mystery. Like them we have been baptized for repentance, but our baptism includes being filled with the power and fire of the sacred presence John had foretold. In this season of Advent shall we not also be drawn into a more profound sense of wonder?
Yes, we are baptized! Oh, the wonder of full forgiveness and lasting love! We are baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire! Shall not our hearts be set ablaze for justice? We are baptized! Shall we not walk the way of wonder?
O God, fill our hearts with a renewed sense of awe and wonder this Advent season. Amen.
The Reverend Dr. Ralph Underwood
Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Care
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.We hope that you are preparing the way for the Lord in your life as you read these meditations and prayers. And, we hope this Advent season is a meaningful one for you. Please know that Austin Seminary’s dedicated, diverse, and loving community of faith is not complete without you. Did you know?
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