John's preaching (Vol 2 No 82)
The gospel stories gained much strength
From scriptures of the past;
Elijah was the prophet bold
In whose light John was cast;
This Baptist wore a leather belt
And clothes of camel’s hair;
Wild honey, locusts were his food;
He breathed the desert air.
The Jewish Bible was a source
That gave authority
To Christian preaching; it enjoyed
A Jewish quality;
Isaiah was a favourite book
The gospel writers use,
“Make straight a pathway for the Lord”
Gave weight to John’s Good News.
“The one expected”, John declares,
“Is one who is unique;
“Much greater than I am, is he:
“Compared with him I’m weak.
“Not worthy to untie his shoes”;
John takes the lowest place,
And with Elijah sees in Christ
The wonder of God’s grace.
As Jesus stands before us all,
Who is this man we see?
Does he fulfil in word and deed
All ancient prophecy?
Is he a visitor from God
Who tells a storm, “Be still”?
Or is he one who stirs our souls
Who prompts us do God’s will?
Tune Kingsfold AHB 500,518 TiS 262,585
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