A tender word for stormy times

In Luke 3:1-6, we read the story of John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. The call of John was a call to repentance and a promise of something (someone) great coming. Pastor Phil Kniss points out that the people named in the beginning of this passage were persons who were actively impeding God's work in the world at a time when God's people were experiencing serious oppression which was diverting their attention to God. God's salvation came in the midst of deep trouble. God's salvation continues to come for us in the midst of the messiness of this world, and we are called to turn toward God. We need to rethink who we are as God's people.