Kindle

Dorma Guice
Mar 1, 2021
4 min read

Definition: to arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling)*

Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (14)

Read: Luke 1:5-25 and 3:1-20 for full context of this account

Luke 1:17 (MSG) He will herald GOD's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for GOD."

That Was Then

Before John the Baptist was born, his path was already set. His assignment, character, wardrobe, diet and even his name was predetermined. In addition to turning the hearts of the fathers (GOD of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac & Jacob) to the children (unbelieving and disobedient Israel), he had the arduous task of preparing the way for Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, by kindling an awareness and anticipation. This was no small undertaking as he was born during a dark time for the nation of Israel, who heard no prophetic word from GOD for 400 years since Malachi promised the coming Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6). Herod, their tetrarch/governor, was a murderous tyrant; and their spiritual leaders who were bound by tradition and corruption, had hearts of stone.

Can you imagine being sent (alone) to plant a church in a culture like this? As remarkable as his assignment was the fact that he pulled it off. Making it clear that he was not the Messiah, but preparing the way for Him, John the Baptist was sent to remove every hindrance to the entrance and acceptance of Jesus Christ. John’s messages and baptism (of repentance and forgiveness) provided the spark – the kindling of curiosity, understanding, brokenness that leads to repentance and ongoing obedience. The people who heard him preach began to earnestly inquire what they must do to be saved. While Jesus’ teachings, miracles, death, burial, resurrection and baptism (with the Holy Spirit and fire) would complete the task of reconciling all men back to GOD.

John the Baptist fulfilled his obligation in the following ways:

He was brutally honest, convicting the Jews on sin, righteousness and judgment. The Bible likened him to Elijah – one who would scold kings and princes for their crimes. This eventually landed him in prison. (Luke 3:4-6)
He preached that baptism alone would not save them, thus he required the Jews to produce fruit via ethical living to prove their repentance. (Luke 3:7-9)
He gave specific examples of how they should live. Those who were uncharitable and oppressive to each other should be generous and compassionate. Publicans should have ethical dealings and hold a respectable office. Soldiers should not falsely accuse or extort goods or money using violence or force. (Luke 3:10-14)

This message kindled such an expectation within the people that they inquired whether John was the Christ. As scripture intended, now that their hearts were prepared, Jesus must become greater and John must become less. (John 3:30)

This is Now

If you’ve walked past a “No Smoking” sign recently, you passed a historical landmark and didn’t realize it. Today, since smoking is banned in nearly every public venue in America “No Smoking” signs are seen about as often as smartphones. However, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, up until 1973 smoking was allowed everywhere – and I mean everywhere! Breathing second-hand smoke in restaurants, elevators, airplanes, hospitals, and on public transportation was an everyday occurrence. That was until Lynn Smith, a Minnesota newspaper publisher ran a story asking every smoker in town to refrain from lighting up on January 7, 1974, coined “Don’t Smoke Day”. The graphic accompanying that article was the first “No Smoking” sign that has since kindled awareness of the hazards of smoking, and jumpstarted a thirty year movement toward a smoke free workplace and public environment we now enjoy (unless you’re a smoker).

This daring event placed Monticello, Minnesota on the map as the birthplace of the national campaign now known as the Great American Smokeout. Mr. Smith started his campaign by enlisting support from prominent smokers like community leaders, past and present mayors, the mayor-elect, local physicians and school board members. Their pledges not to smoke were featured in editorials along with information on the hazards of smoking and tips on quitting. Restaurants and other venues showed support by posting the first “No Smoking” signs and convenience stores refused to sell cigarettes to patrons. It wasn’t long before the entire town followed suit and Monticello was a smoke-free place for an entire day. The event had measurable success as 10% of the people who quit that day did not resume smoking.

In 1975, Minnesota was the first state to pass the “Clean Indoor Air Act”. Of course this event caught the attention of the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association of Minnesota, who tapped Mr. Smith to kindle awareness and enthusiasm in other states, leading up to the Great American Smokeout. Before long, California and eventually every state in the Union passed Clean Air Acts that banned smoking in their facilities. The greater victory is the vast increase in the number of people who quit smoking since 1974. In 1965 more than 42% of adults smoked cigarettes. In 1993 that number dropped to about 25%. Today, in 2019 less than 14% of the US population smokes. This massive cultural and medical shift was caused by one person who utilized a small town publication as a vehicle to kindle a proverbial wildfire that spread throughout the nation and the world. Ann McCully, then public affairs director for the American Cancer Society's Minnesota Council was spot on when she said "Every movement needs the person who's willing to go out there and push the edge." **

Who Said That?!!!

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” – Socrates***

What Do You Say?

AFFIRMATION: "When I learn something new or discover something awesome, I don't keep it to myself; but share it with others."

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*www.merriam-webster.com,

**http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-11-21/news/9811210264_1_smoking-non-smoker-pledged

***www.brainyquote.com