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Luke 3:3-6
As the ministry of John the Baptist begins, the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3-5 is being fulfilled through him. The prophecy tells of one who will preach to straighten out our lives; the lowly in heart will be comforted; the proud and arrogant will be humbled; and the crooked places and rough ways of our lives will be forgiven as all flesh shall see the salvation of God, which is Jesus the Messiah.
The ministry of John the Baptist has a main point of preparing oneself for the coming of the Messiah (Jesus). John the Baptist preached “a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3b, NKJV). Baptism represents going under the grave as one goes under the water with their sins, and the remission of sin in coming up out of the water into a new life. But John the Baptist preached a baptism of “repentance” for the remission of sins. To “repent” is to turn from or go in another direction. John the Baptist’s ministry was teaching people to “turn” from the sinful nature and begin living a life that is seeking to please God.
This is the ministry of John the Baptist.
This is the announcement of the coming of the Messiah.
This is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3-5.
John the Baptist was sent during a time when many people had turned away from following the ways of the Lord, which is no different than what we are experiencing in society today. John the Baptist was sent to be an encouragement to help people turn from the evil ways of the sinful nature (repent) and make a commitment to seeking God in preparation for salvation through Jesus (remission of sin).
There are many people that we encounter each day that need to hear the good news/gospel of Jesus who came to save the world from sin (John3:16-17). As Christians, we are all called to share this good news with others, and in doing so God will reward us with blessings that fill our hearts with joy.
Dear Lord,
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we accept the duty of being a child of God. Please help us all to share the love of Jesus with those around us so that the light of Christ may shine through us and we would be to the praise of Your glory. In Jesus name I pray, amen.