Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

A very unusual prophecy was given to the prophet Isaiah. A voice would be heard coming from. the wilderness. A man would cry out, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”

That man is revealed to be John the Baptist in Matthew 3:1-3. He was sent to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

When the Jews sent priests to find out who he was, John confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” Then he humbly referred to him- self as just a voice.

He showed his humility when he said, “I am not worthy.” But the one who came after him was worthy to get all the glory.

Of all those who were born, there was none greater than John, is What Jesus said of him. But John honored Jesus because he is greater and mightier. (Matthew 3:11) “I am not worthy.” That is also what the centurian soldier said of himself. Speaking of him, Jesus, said, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Matthew 8:10). Jacob got to the place in his life where he admitted that he was not worthy. In his prayer to the God of his fathers in Genesis 32:10, he confessed I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant.

We are not worthy, but the Lord is worthy. David prayed this prayer recorded in II Samuel 22:4, and also in Psalm 18:3. He the Lord, who is called worthy.