752 What Did You Go To The Wilderness to See?, A Guided Christian Meditation on Luke 7:24-26 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in and connect wi h the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.

Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.

Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving jor anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes. Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation: Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate.

Scripture for Meditation

Luke 7

NKJV 24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

NIV 24 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Meditation on Scripture:

John the Baptist did not come to tell the people what they already expected or wanted to hear. He did not come in the way they expected. In some ways he was very surprising. He was dressed very hubly. They referred to him as a "Wild Man." He had unique elements of life instituted by the Nazarene oath. He was set apart for a purpose. As he said, it was to make straight the path for the Lord, or to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord.

Due to the unexpected message he taught, he amassed a following that ended up being problematic for religious leaders at the time. Jesus makes the point to show, there was a reason that drew the people to John's message and that drew their hearts and minds to it when they heard it. As a result many more were ready to receive the Messiah.

God uses regular people to do his work. John the Baptist had a very specific calling. It was the work given to John by God that made that calling holy. God makes His work holy. Jesus did not truely need John the Baptist. There are many ways God could have done this but he chose John. Similarly God doesn't need us to do His work, but as we participate in His work, our efforts are made holy by Him. Just as John humbly submitted to Jesus when his work was done, so should we take the same mindset around what God has called us to. What has God called you to in life? How can you learn to hold your calling more humbly like John.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

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Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?

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