HOST: Michael Whitworth
Today’s Reading: Mark 1:1-8
"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”"
Can you imagine being John the Baptizer and having the enormous task of preparing the way for Jesus? How important his work was! As the forerunner of Christ, he laid the groundwork for Jesus’ teaching to be received and for the repentance and change that Jesus would call for. In a way, we all have the same calling as John. As those who know Christ and have given our lives to Him, we are called to use our lives, influence, and teaching to prepare the hearts of those around us to receive the teachings of Christ and, ultimately, to give themselves to Him in faith and obedience. What a great opportunity and blessing it is to be involved in the work of the Lord!
Who in your life can you influence for Christ today?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
