A Baptism Of Repentance

…during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”

Luke 3:2-6

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

Luke 3:15-18

Movers and shakers are people climbing the ladder of influence and success. Luke mentions seven prominent leaders who exercised control in the society of their time.

While these power brokers flexed their political muscles, “the Word of God came to John.” What could John the Baptist possibly accomplish by preaching a ‘baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”?

John’s life helps us understand what it means to be significant in God’s eyes. Like John everything we say and do point others to Jesus.

Our surrender to God precedes His significant work in our life.

Our Daily Bread – September 25, 2013