By Andrew Williams – August 21,2021
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near! ” Matthew 3:1-2 HCSB
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage introduces us to the teaching ministry of John the Baptist. John is described as the forerunner of Jesus, the one who would precede him and prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry here on earth. What did John preach? ” REPENT, BECAUSE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS COME NEAR!”
Do you hear what John has said? Do you accept his message from God ? Have you repented?
I like the way the Passion Translation renders Matthew 3:2 “Heaven’s kingdom is about to appear—so you’d better keep turning away from evil and turn back to God!”
So let me ask you again: Have you repented? Have you really, truly repented of your sins? Do you keep turning away from evil AND TURN BACK TO GOD ? Many of us SAY that we have repented of our sins because we ask God to forgive us when we feel bad about our sinful actions, but do we really keep turning away from evil And actually redirect our focus continually back to God?
As we examine ourselves today let us ponder this question: Have I turned away from the sins in my life and my sinful lifestyle, AND have I turned TOTALLY to God ?
Prayer : “Heaven’s kingdom is about to appear—so you’d better keep turning away from evil and turn back to God!” Father God, thank You for preparing us for the appearance of Your kingdom. Thank You for teaching us to prepare through the words of your messenger John the Baptist.
Father God, as I have examined myself I see that I have missed the mark – I have sinned. I repent of my sins and my sinful lifestyle. I turn from my sinful lifestyle and turn TOTALLY to You Lord God. I accept Your forgiveness, and as I come to You in full surrender I ask You to teach me through Your Holy Spirit to remain focused on living wholeheartedly for You. You said in Your word that if we seek, ask, and knock that we will find, You will answer, and You will open doors. So God I seek You now with all my heart, I ask You to keep me focused on You, and I knock on the door to Your kingdom so God open up to me as I have repented and committed my life to You. This I ask in Jesus’ Name, amen.