The Warner- John the Baptist

1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’ ”^a

4John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Matthew 3:1-4)

Thoughts: Someone needs to say it: God is coming.  Someone needs to say- if God is coming, then you better get cleaned up, straightened up.  Someone needs to tell the people that is time to wake up- and sound the alarm. John the Baptist was the one sounding the bell.
       John was a humble man.  He had no money, no real food, he was like a wild man in the wilderness.  Yet, what he taught was powerful and true.  It was a reminder to quit wearing religion on our sleeve but to have it from our hearts.  People responded to him because the Holy Spirit was moving and at work through John's voice.
            Baptism was a symbol to John and the people of repentance. It was a symbol of wanting to be clean and washed by God. Our baptism too is a symbol of having heard the message and responding by having the water on us.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to repent in my heart.  Give me grace to turn away from selfishness to turn toward you.