Bible Reading: John 1:29-34 & Matthew 3:1-4
Many, many years after Jeremiah served as God’s voice, God chose a man named John, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, to be His voice.
John, known as John the Baptist, was unique, unlike one of the prophets – voices of God – who went before him. John had seen the promised Messiah with his own eyes. John preached about what he knew, not just what he hoped for.
The message God gave John to deliver was one of immediacy. It was a message that required a prompt, personal response. In John1:29 John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John was telling people, on God’s behalf, that the Messiah had come and they needed to do something about it. John explained that “something” in Matthew 3:2 saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” John was telling people that they needed to stop sinning, stop doing everything that displeased God, and prepare to see the Messiah face to face.
Like John, we can be God’s voice. We can talk about what we know – the certainty that Jesus died and now lives again in heaven, preparing a place for those who believe and accept Him.
Like the people John spoke to, we need to repent, accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and begin living lives that are pleasing to God.
“Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”’” John 1:32-34
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to please You in all I do and to be willing to be Your voice, telling people about Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.