by Desiree Bustamante

The Promised One has arrived!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”  Matthew 11:2-3 New International Version

Last summer this chicken sandwich created a lot of pandemonium. Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich debuted to such rave reviews that the company ran out of chicken and the sandwich was nowhere to be found for several months. Once restaurants started to serve it again, word spread throughout the nation and people flocked to taste this concoction of chicken, pickles and spicy sauce. Everyone had high expectations of a simple chicken sandwich.

John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of a Savior for several months in the wilderness. He was a prophet whose life’s purpose was to prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ. He even baptized Jesus. But Herod arrested John for pointing out his sin, and John sat in prison wondering if everything he had prophesied about this man named Jesus was true. He, too, had great expectations of the long-awaited Savior he prepared for all his life. So, while John was imprisoned, he asked some of his followers to find Jesus and ask him if He indeed was the promised Messiah.

“Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Matthew 11:4-6 New International Version

Jesus reassured John that all the signs recorded in Scripture were now pointing to Himself as the Promised One–Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Certainly, John was comforted and reassured by this good news.

Even as we wait on this earth for Christ’s return, we, too, are encouraged that this promise is true, for all Scripture is fulfilled in the birth of Christ, the One we worship, serve and anticipate His return. He is Immanuel, our God who is with us!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO