Claimed, gathered and sent

Here are some thoughts on this coming Sunday's gospel reading that were sent to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church. I would like your input. What do you see and hear? John 1:29-42a 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” 31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ 32 And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ 35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 an...

The message of today's readings is abundantly clear. Phrases from Isaiah such as, "...bring good news to the oppressed," "...proclaim liberty to captives," and "...proclaim the year of the Lord's favor," are but the beginning of the the proclamation. The testimony continues in 1 Thessalonians with "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances..." And in the Gospel of John we hear of "...the man sent from God, whose name was John." He testified and was a witness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This morning as Pr. Steve preached, highlighting these themes, I had this song going through my mind like it was on a loop that constantly replayed. What about us? Are such themes, proclamations, and words only for prophets and apostles to declare? In this world of pain and darkness, we too have good news to share and light to bring. God give us wisdom as to the myriad of ways we can testify to love. Picture...