The Gospel of Mark starts with John the Baptist. John is telling the people the good news of the coming Messiah. He didn't stop with the message of good news, but he told the people they needed to repent and be forgiven of their sins. He even went so far as to have the people demonstrate their repentance by baptising them.
What was it about John the Baptist that people responded to? He was strange at best. He lived out in the wilderness alone, he didn't wear the latest fashions, or have any type of financial or political stature at all, but he had a tremendous impact on those who saw and heard him.
I believe John the Baptist was successful for two reasons. The first is that he understood what God's purpose was for his life and he was fulfilling it, and second he knew the Word of God and he wasn't afraid to use it.
In verses 2-3 it states:
as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
What was it about John the Baptist that people responded to? He was strange at best. He lived out in the wilderness alone, he didn't wear the latest fashions, or have any type of financial or political stature at all, but he had a tremendous impact on those who saw and heard him.
I believe John the Baptist was successful for two reasons. The first is that he understood what God's purpose was for his life and he was fulfilling it, and second he knew the Word of God and he wasn't afraid to use it.
In verses 2-3 it states:
as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
who will prepare your way”
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
How many times do we struggle with difficult issues? We worry, we lose sleep, we stress ourselves out. Why? Because we don't know what to do, or what will happen. Those of us who know God, know that God knows everything. All we have to do is turn our burdens over to him. We don't because often we cannot let go, we fool ourselves into thinking we are in control. Often we are operating and behaving outside the will of God for our lives. Finally, we don't know the Word, or refer to it like we should. We are often hindered because we do not take the time to study and understand all the power, grace, and mercy we have available to us.
God's Word is living and it is powerful and it can change us, any situation, and anything else. If we do not know that, if we are not in right fellowship with our Lord, then we miss out on all God has to offer us.
The Bible does not provide much personal information about John the Baptist. We do not know if he had any other aspirations, dreams, or desires. What we do know is that he highly valued the coming Messiah and wanted the people to be ready to receive him. There is no account of if he totally comprehended that over 2000 years after his death and that of Jesus Christ, people would be reading about him and still repenting, and being baptised.
We may never receive the proper recognition or reward for what we do by humankind. We may even be treated badly for speaking God's truth and living a righteous life, but one thing we do know is that what we do for Christ will last.
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