- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 11,642
as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' " Luke 3:4-6 NKJV
In Luke 3:8, John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Turning from sin and toward God must have such an impact on our hearts that it leads to life change. We act differently than we used to, and Jesus is the difference.
We love His words more—enough to obey them when it’s not easy. We love family, friends, and coworkers better—we relentlessly seek what’s best for them. We even begin to do the same for strangers and enemies, treating them fairly, giving them the benefit of the doubt, trusting God to sort out the outcomes when we obey His call to love like He does.
Like John, we do it all for one whose sandals we’re not worthy to untie—one who saw our sinful state and said, “I’m going to fix that.” John’s fiery words and deeds stemmed from his passion for his Messiah. He correctly saw the gospel for what it is—good news that God is making all things new, and He starts with us.
Prayer: Jesus, You are worth whatever it costs me to follow You. Restore my sense of wonder and awe at the gospel. Let it refresh my heart to serve You and love others like You do.
In Luke 3:8, John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Turning from sin and toward God must have such an impact on our hearts that it leads to life change. We act differently than we used to, and Jesus is the difference.
We love His words more—enough to obey them when it’s not easy. We love family, friends, and coworkers better—we relentlessly seek what’s best for them. We even begin to do the same for strangers and enemies, treating them fairly, giving them the benefit of the doubt, trusting God to sort out the outcomes when we obey His call to love like He does.
Like John, we do it all for one whose sandals we’re not worthy to untie—one who saw our sinful state and said, “I’m going to fix that.” John’s fiery words and deeds stemmed from his passion for his Messiah. He correctly saw the gospel for what it is—good news that God is making all things new, and He starts with us.
Prayer: Jesus, You are worth whatever it costs me to follow You. Restore my sense of wonder and awe at the gospel. Let it refresh my heart to serve You and love others like You do.
