PREPARE FOR THE POWER AND PRESENCE

Jesus did not come down to earth to condemn the world or change the world.  He came to serve and to save the world.  His Presence and power transformed situations and people.  He transformed water into wine, bread and wine into his body and blood, broken people into whole people, and situations of fear into faith.  His Presence and his power continue to do these things, through us as we serve.

Transformation precedes change.  I would see my part in this as the one setting the table, creating a hospitable place, preparing the way for God to be present and manifest His transforming power, and then being there for the person or situation that has changed, to encourage and support as the change manifests itself.

John the Baptist understood his role.  He came to prepare the way for the One who would manifest the transformational power on the one to be changed.  He then knew that he must decrease in his position to the One who does the transforming, not gain in power and reputation by putting another notch on his belt for converting another sinner.

Loving God, loving ourselves, loving one another, and loving our enemies is a way of setting the table, creating a hospitable place, and preparing the way for God to be present and manifest His transforming power.  Let my life, my message, and my mission be that simple service.