Mark 1:1-4: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.' 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
John the Baptist was the one called by God to prepare God’s people for the coming of Jesus. His sole purpose in life was to cultivate the hardened soil of the Jewish people. John preached a message of repentance. He told the Jews that they were sinners, and they needed to turn from their ways and return to their God. The God that the Jews served was a loving and gracious God who forgives the sins of His people and desires that they would turn and follow Him once more. God’s perfect plan was about to unfold and break forth upon the entire world. The greatest revival of all times was upon the world, and John was the messenger sent to announce it.
When Jesus comes on the scene, it was announced in the heavens and on the earth. Why was this? It was announced because this was going to be the greatest event in human history. John’s purpose was to proclaim, “Behold the lamb of God”. What is interesting is that John was murdered, Jesus walked this earth, He also was murdered and rose from the tomb, and 2000 years later the message still must be proclaimed, “Behold the lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world.” This world still needs to repent and turn from its wicked ways.
God is still calling messengers to cry out to this world. If we are His people, we should share with His conviction and passion. He pursues the lost, with fervor and we should model that fervor. We are the voices crying in the wilderness. The wilderness is this world, which has been blinded by excess and lustful pursuits. Jesus promised to come back, and we are waiting for His glorious return. In addition, like John the Baptist we are to be announcing, “Prepare the way of the LORD”. Just because John is no longer here on earth, his post still needs to be filled. We are to stand our post and never give ground. Our king is coming!!
Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Lev. 24-25 New Testament Mark 1:23-45
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