Preparing the Way of the Lord!
Sunday, November 28, 2004
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, As we start this season of preparation for Jesus’ coming, I pray that You will open my heart not only to the accounts of Jesus’ first coming to the world as an infant in Bethlehem, but also for His return as the conquering Lord of all! I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that all I think, say and do works to advance the cause of Your coming Kingdom. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Word Today
Matthew 3:1-12
1In those days John the Baptist began preaching in the Judean wilderness. His message was, 2“Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness:
‘Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming!
Make a straight road for him!’”
4John’s clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey. 5People from Jerusalem and from every section of Judea and from all over the Jordan Valley went out to the wilderness to hear him preach. 6And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
7But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming judgment? 8Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. 9Don’t just say, ‘We’re safe—we’re the descendants of Abraham.’ That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham. 10Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
11“I baptize with water those who turn from their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am—so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12He is ready to separate the chaff from the grain with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, storing the grain in his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
Reflecting on God's Word
What is the most important single act you can do to prepare the way for Jesus right now?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Where was John’s ministry carried out? (3:1)
What was his message? (3:2)
Understanding God's Word
Why do you suppose that John the Baptist’s ministry was carried out in the wilderness, instead of in the city of Jerusalem?
Why is turning from our sins (repentance) so important in preparing the way for Jesus?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Why do you suppose that John the Baptist’s ministry was carried out in the wilderness, instead of in the city of Jerusalem?
Why is turning from our sins (repentance) so important in preparing the way for Jesus?
Thoughts...Turning from Sin...Turning to God...
John the Baptist had a consistent message, “Repent! (or as the New Living Translation puts it—“turn from your sin and turn to God!”) the Kingdom of Heaven is near!” If any of us wants to be prepared for Jesus’ coming – which for us may mean his coming into our hearts and lives as Savior and Lord, or His promised return to judge the world, then we must first repent—that is turn away from our sins, and turn to God. God’s offer of salvation in Jesus Christ is free—it’s a gift—even so, we must say, “Yes!” to it. The gift of salvation requires only that we turn away from our lives of sin long enough to turn TO God, so that He can give it to us. Walking in the way of sin is easy for every person who has ever been born. In fact, turning around—repenting—is a great challenge, since it means an actual resetting of our will. We will to face God, to receive what He offers—both chastisement for our sin, and the salvation that Jesus provided on the cross to deal with our sin. Once we repent initially, and face God, we will struggle the rest of our lives to maintain our face in His direction, but the reward of victory is eternal life with God, so let’s face Him, now!