Matthew 3:1-3 – In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
When we think of John the Baptist, what do we think? Depending on our knowledge of the Bible, some may say that he was weird guy who lived in the desert and baptized people. That is really not a wrong statement. Short, but not wrong.
John was the last Old Testament prophet. He had a very specific two part ministry. The first part of his ministry was to let everyone know that the good news that the Messiah, who the Jews were praying and hoping to arrive, was coming soon. He preached for people to get ready for the Messiah by acknowledging the sin in their lives (that we all have). It was not just to acknowledge sin in our lives, but to make a commitment to turn from a life of sinning to a life of seeking God. He then baptized them as a public proclamation of their newfound commitment to God.
The second part of His ministry, which he simultaneously did with the first part, was to let the world know that the Messiah, the great and mighty Savior from God, was coming. In fact, John knew that the Messiah was already alive on the earth and would soon be revealed. He would later point out Jesus as the Messiah.
Family, our mission is like that of John the Baptist. He was called to warn people to turn from sins and to pledge allegiance to the Messiah. He was the person who announced the first coming of the Messiah. We are the people to announce the second coming of Messiah Jesus. Our mission is not to “save” anyone. That is solely God’s job. Our mission, like John’s was, is to announce so that people will know. Family, Jesus is coming. He is perhaps coming much sooner than any of us expected. Let us, like John the Baptist, be faithful to our mission. Let us, with renewed vigor and excitement announce that Jesus died for all who would come and obey Him. (John 3:16, John 14:21) Jesus said of John “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11) Jesus had the highest praise for John. We have a like ministry as John and we, through Jesus, have an assured eternal position of being with God forever. So it is good to be weird to the world because we stand with God who loves us. Jesus has called us to a simple faith. Not an easy life, a simple faith. There is nothing better in the world. Look up, our redemption is close! Praise God! Jesus is coming soon for us! Praise God! Life in Jesus is very good indeed! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”