Greater

15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:15-16)

John the Baptizer was well known. He openly criticized the establishment, he regularly challenged people to turn away from sin, and he baptized people to new life. Naturally, he was on the top of everyone's list as the possible long-awaited savior. But John knew he wasn't the one. John knew that both he and the water he used to baptize were just stand-ins for the awesome power that was to come.

Expectations are fine. It's wonderful to look with hope toward what God's going to do next. But if we get too attached to the plans we think we know, we will surely miss the greater blessing God has for us. May God open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds to His power at work within us and throughout the world.

20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)