Luke 1:14 “And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.”
A bringer of joy. That is what John was to be. And how so? How did the ministry of John bring joy? John spent most of his time calling people to repentance. His ministry focused on people confessing and repenting. The point was preparation, to be ready for the Lord’s coming.
Though this ministry does not strike us as being especially joyous, it is because we tend to look at things backwards. Jesus could have come and judged the world immediately. The ministry of John changed the landscape so to speak. The spiritual condition of nation of Israel was addressed more effectively than it had been in several centuries. Change for the better is always a cause for joy.
Heavenly Father, help us to understand that your joy is a result of Your work. It is not a passing feeling, but an abiding assurance that You are at work. You are in control. Thank You for that! We cannot ever repay You. But we can surely abide in Your blessings. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.