Mark 1:1-3 NIV
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way’—‘a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
To start with the announcement of a coming king is a great way to usher in this advent season. John the Baptist, as we will read about over the next few days, was that voice. He was set apart by God to prepare the people to receive their Messiah.
Today as we look toward the return of the Messiah, we are to become like John the Baptist. We are called to be the messenger carrying the Good News. We are called to prepare the way. We are to be the voice in the wilderness.
As Paul asks in Romans 10:14-15, “…How can they hear without someone preaching? And how can they preach unless they are sent?…” If we are not current day John the Baptists, then who?
Isaiah wrote these words of prophecy hundreds of years before John the Baptist was even born. Paul writes Romans thousands of years before you and I were born. Yet they still ring true for us. Will you be surrendered as John the Baptist was? Will you bring the Gospel to those hurting around you?
The challenge for us today is to invite someone to church with us on Christmas Eve. Or invite someone to enjoy Christmas dinner with you. Or be bold and tell someone about the love of Jesus. There is no greater privilege than to share God’s Word with the lost. As their eyes are being opened their faith as well as your faith grows.
Today, be like John the Baptist.
