Tag: Matthew 3
Preparing the way!
Scripture reading for January 3: Matthew 3
“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'”. . .”Then Jerusalem and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:1-3,5-6
The Scriptures of the Jews taught about the coming of the Messiah, a descendant of King David. The Jews had a messianic expectation from the Law of Moses and the prophets. In the days of John the Baptist, the Jewish nation was in servitude to Rome and under foreign domination. Their messianic hopes were not at the forefront of their world-view. After four hundred years of prophetic silence, God sent John as a ‘voice’ crying in the wilderness. He called the people of Israel to repentance and faith. He called them to water baptism, usually reserved for converts to Judaism, as a humble confession of their sins and need of cleansing. This was to prepare them for the coming King, Jesus, and His kingdom,
The scribes and Pharisees, religious leaders, came to observe and criticize John. John called them out for their pride and warned them of their own need to repent to prepare the way for their Messiah. John challenged their world-view and the culture of their religion to break through their pride. God is still working today to reach the religious and prideful.
Are you currently listening to a ‘voice’ God has sent to call you to repentance? What sins are you willing to confess and forsake? Have you been baptized in water in obedience to Jesus Christ? What step of humility can you take to respond to God’s Voice?
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending out Your people as Your ‘Voice’ crying in my wilderness. Thank You for the ultimate ‘Voice,” Jesus Christ, Who plainly is calling me to repentance and faith. Help me to break through my pride and religious culture. Lead me to humility and true repentance. Amen.
Repent!
Scripture reading for January 5th: Matthew 3
Key Scriptures: Matthew 3:1-2, 8 “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” . . .”Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves ‘We have Abraham as our father.'”
Overcomers in the last days must understand repentance. Repentance is more than just being sorry for you sins or sorry that you were found out. Our God knows everything! He is not a God that is far away and aloof from His people. He is near! And His kingdom is near as well! This kingdom is not visible to the human eye, but His people know the King Himself and He knows them. True repentance is a change of mind that leads to a changed life! When we repent of sexual immorality, for example, we turn from all forms of immorality and no longer live in rebellion to God’s commands and our conscience.
The human mind is always devising ways to justify our sinful actions or to find an alternative to repentance! We often speak to ourselves about our own righteousness and justify ourselves. God knows exactly where we are! If we are to overcome, we must speak honestly to ourselves, accept responsibility and change!
Observations for over-comers: True repentance brings forgiveness of sin and life! Overcomers are quick to repent and walk in victory over sin by the power of the Holy Spirit and the victory of Christ through the cross! “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Fire!
Scripture reading for January 5th: Matthew 3
John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, came on the scene when Jesus was nearly 30 years old. He preached that the kingdom of heaven was at hand and that all men needed to repent. John wore the clothes of a prophet and lived in the lonely places of the Judean wilderness. Matthew records that he was the one spoken of by Isaiah, “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'” (Isaiah 40:3) Many people came and confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River.
When the Saducees and Pharisees came to observe, John warned them of their need to repent and be baptized. He told them that having a genetic tie to Abraham was not enough with God. God was looking for fruit of obedience in each life and would judge all who had none! He also warned them that there was one coming after him who would be more powerful and honored. The “Coming One” would baptize men with the Holy Spirit and with fire, not just water! This One would gather in the faithful, but punish the wicked! (Matthew 3:11-12)
Jesus then appeared to be baptized by John. John recognized Him as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) Jesus was insistent and John baptized Him. As Jesus came out of the water, the Holy Spirit came down and rested on Him like a dove, and a Voice from heaven stated: “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Water baptism is a step of obedience that all disciples should follow. But Jesus also is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and Fire! Go after all He has for you!
The Holy Spirit and Fire!
Scripture reading for January 3rd: Matthew 3, Psalms 2:7-12, Proverbs 1:15-19
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come One who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11-12)
John the Baptist was the last prophet in the Old Testament who came in the spirit and mold of Elijah. (Malachi 4:5-6) Malachi had spoken of him in his last word over 400 years earlier. John came calling people to repentance and insisting that everyone needed to be baptized. Baptism was something that new converts to Judaism were called to do, but John insisted that all needed it. This angered the religious establishment but drew huge crowds of hungry people who were hoping to prepare themselves spiritually for the coming Messiah.
John told of the One coming after him! This One would bring a new baptism, the Holy Spirit and fire! As we seek to prepare ourselves for this new year, we would do well to seek Jesus for a fresh baptism or filling with the precious Holy Spirit! The fire was a symbol of the presence of God. Natural fire brought heat, light, and energy to those close to it; the fire of the Holy Spirit brings a holy energy to be a witness for the Lord. The fire of God’s amazing love will burn hot in those so baptized and they will share their love of Jesus and God’s love in them with those who have not heard!
It is interesting to note that Jesus is pictured by John with an instrument of harvest in his hands. His purpose is to gather His wheat into the barn. The wheat represents those who are believers in Christ and have the kernel of the Holy Spirit and God’s life in them. The barn represents God’s Kingdom and rule. Those who are “chaff”, have no life in them and are only fit for the unquenchable fire! The baptism of Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Fire is ours for the asking! (Luke 11:9-13) Don’t go another day without this precious gift!
The Holy Spirit and Fire!
Scripture reading for January 3rd: Matthew 3, Psalms 2:7-12, Proverbs 1:15-19
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11-12)
John the Baptist was the last prophet in the Old Testament who came in the spirit and mold of Elijah. (Malachi 4:5-6) Malachi had spoken of him in his last word over 400 years earlier. John came calling people to repentance and insisting that everyone needed to be baptized. Baptism was something that new converts to Judaism were called to do, but John insisted that all needed it. This angered the religious establishment but drew huge crowds of hungry people who were hoping to prepare themselves spiritually for the coming Messiah.
John told of the One coming after him! This One would bring a new baptism, the Holy Spirit and fire! As we seek to prepare ourselves for this new year, we would do well to seek Jesus for a fresh baptism or filling with the precious Holy Spirit! The fire was a symbol of the presence of God. Natural fire brought heat, light, and energy to those close to it; the fire of the Holy Spirit brings a holy energy to be a witness for the Lord. The fire of God’s amazing love will burn hot in those so baptized and they will share their love of Jesus and God’s love in them with those who have not heard!
It is interesting to note that Jesus is pictured by John with an instrument of harvest in his hands. His purpose is to gather His wheat into the barn. The wheat represents those who are believers in Christ and have the kernel of the Holy Spirit and God’s life in them. The barn represents God’s Kingdom and rule. Those who are “chaff”, have no life in them and are only fit for the unquenchable fire! The baptism of Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Fire is ours for the asking! (Luke 11:9-13) Don’t go another day without this precious gift!