John, the torchbearer

For just a moment, imagine John the Baptist as a torchbearer before the Olympic Games, the one who shows up early and prepares the audience for the great One to come-Jesus, the athlete who would take the stage.

Who prepares the torchbearers for their role in the Games? Torches are heavy things to carry and people have to run while balancing it. Once they have completed their important task, we hear only about the athletes. They dominate the playing field after the Games torch is lit.

John acted as torchbearer for Jesus. He had an important job out in the hot desert, getting people ready for Jesus’ ministry, for a new way of thinking about God.

Not long after John baptized Jesus in the river, John was thrown in prison. Discouraged, he asked, “Is this Jesus the One expected?” Had he heard the message all wrong? John died in prison. Was he still so uncertain?

We get discouraged, too, wondering if the world is hearing our news. Did we get it right? Is the torch too heavy to carry?

Dear God, you ask us to share our love for Jesus with others. Help us in our task as a torch runner for you. In Jesus' name. Amen. — CRW