Mark 1:2b-3. Gods one-of-a-kind Messenger I will send My messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way-- A voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, and make straight paths for Him. Even though Mark credits Isaiah with this piece of prophetic poetry, Malachi wrote the first 2 lines and Israels most famous and premier prophet wrote the last 3. Malachi wrote in BC 397 while Isaiahs preceded that by 315 years (BC 712). Mark employs both to make a profound point about John the Baptist, whom he identified as this Messenger. Malachis preparation (Greek kataskeuasei) entailed an exterior or outward preparation. This could be like President Obamas advance team who prepares security, etc, for a coming visit. Isaiah envisioned the Messenger preparing (GRK hetoimasate) the internal conditions and quality of the people meant to hear and receive the Messiah. Mark showed how both prophecies were fulfilled in the Baptist who prepared the exterior condition of Israel in AD 30 by preaching and proclaiming, and prepared hearts for Messiah by calling to repentance and baptism. In this sense John the Baptist was like an angelic Herald and a pastor tending to the physical and interior needs of Gods people. He wasnt quiet, did not couch his message in the lingo of the politically correct and socially concerned, but woke people up with his direct and forceful proclamation: Get yourself together! Wash up, both inside and out, in readiness to meet and see Messiah!
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 00:37:13 +0000
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