In The Spirit of John The Baptist

Scripture: Matthew 3: l-12
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness as one who prepares the
way of the Lord's coming. In his preaching, he calls for 'repentance'
because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and he warns that 'baptism'
brings with it 'the call' to 'bear fruit worthy of repentance'.
In Mark l:l-8, Mark emphasizes the 'wilderness location' of John's
preaching. John baptisms occurred in or near the Jordan River.
Interesting fact is that archeologists have just discovered a mikvah cave
where it was believed that John also baptised located also along the
Jordan River.

Mark gives his own stamp and distinctive character in describing
John. His summary of John's preaching was as 'repent for the
forgiveness of sins'. John calls for repentance 'because the kingdom of
God has come near' directing John's message more toward the theme
of repentance because the kingdom of God has come near', more than
toward the theme of forgiveness. Also, he makes more clear the
prophetic link as one of fulfillment and as referring directly to John as to
'this is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke...Isaiah 40:3..'The
voice of him who cries out, "Prepare the way of the Lord in the
wilderness, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
He expands John's preaching with warnings about 'judgment, the
coming wrath, and the presuming upon the ancestry of Abraham' as a
means of salvation. The ax laid to the root of the tree and the
winnowing of the grain, along with the double reference to the branches
or chaff thrown into the fire, all give an overall view of judgment to
John's call for his hearers to 'bear fruit' worthy of repentance...see
Matthew 3:l2. The result is that while clearly proclaiming a message of
hope and in pointing a message of hope to the one who is to come,
Matthew's John also gives a certain soberness and seriousness to
'the call for repentance' shown forth in 'bearing fruit that is worthy of
repentance'.

Like the wedding guest who is expelled for failure to have the proper
garment (Matthew 22: ll-14), we cannot presume on the mercy of God.
The message of the coming kingdom is one that has been repeated
through time.
John promoted 'an immediate, radical change' based on ideals and
that is John the Baptist in a nutshell. Also, when Jesus spoke to
Nicodemus, it is full of metaphors about 'being transformed from the

inside out' through the new birth. And, that message continues to this
day...

The Spirit of John the Baptist resonates as the Lord calls His Bride
today. God called John to 'prepare individuals' for the coming of Christ.
They were 'to repent' and 'give their entire lives in surrender to God.
The call 'today' to receive the 'New Birth' with the 'baptism of the Holy
Spirit' is a similar message in preparation of Christ's return for His
Bride. It is a call to 'repent' and 'give our entire lives completely to God
in total surrender'. For, the baptism of Christ coming to live within us
and dwelling in us through the Holy Spirit's rebirth is the only way to be
prepared to receive the 'former and latter rain' outpouring that prepares
oneself for Christ's soon return. Christ is still calling through those to
that call. Who will listen and who will turn away?

Also, the condition of Israel in John's time was very similar to the
'Laodician' condition we find ourselves in the church today. Therefore, a
similar message is needed today calling God's people to come out of
their 'dead', Laodician lifestyles and condition. We can no longer just
depend on church membership and 'our' good works to enter the
Kingdom of God. We must now allow Christ to come and be allowed to
dwell in us and through us and come into that deep 24/7 relationship
with him as our Savior and Guide.

The Lord is calling out a people full of his 'holy fire' and 'total devotion'
to Christ...a Bride who exemplifies her husband even to the point of
looking like Him as the Spirit dwells in them.
The calling to a 'wilderness ministry, the Lord takes those chosen back
to the original...John the Baptist's message. So, as one called, this
minister has been beckoned to that call, in all He has asked of me to
do. The Lord is still calling for us to 'come out from among and be ye
holy'. He is right at the door calling out His true and faithful Bride to
'Arise and Shine' for His glory and honor, to be totally prepared for His
soon return.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

The Wilderness Preacher

Seek and you will find...Knock and the door will be opened unto you! God isn't a job. God is a joy!

May the Lord bless you as you step up and seek more of Him today!