Good Morning Gorgeous,

It’s a brand new day. A fresh new start. All things being made new.

As we continue reading in Luke, things fast forward pretty quickly.

John the Baptist steps into ministry first just a little before Jesus.

Both men were prophesied about in the Old Testament, and because God’s Word never returns void, the prophesies unfold and come to pass just as the Word said.

God’s Word always goes forth and accomplishes what it was sent out to do!

The prophecies of God about a Savior and the one who would prepare the way for the Savior are here and now in Luke 3!

John is living in the wilderness. This is important because he is choosing a set apart life. He is separating himself unto the Lord without distraction from what the world offers.

And when I read Luke 3 afresh this time, I saw something NEW that I didn’t notice before.

God gave John the words to preach. God put the ministry of baptism and repentance on his heart. The scripture says:

‭‭Luke‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
[2] Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness.

And then here is the prophecy from Isaiah! A Word spoken hundreds of years BEFORE John the Baptist was even born and here he is walking in that destiny!!

‭‭Luke‬ ‭3:4‭-‬6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
[4] Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! [5] The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. [6] And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”

This was the role of John the Baptist. To prepare the way!

To preach not a message of his own, but the message given to him by the LORD.

And John the Baptist knew his role in relationship to Jesus’s role!

He did not accept the glory due to the Lord Jesus. He gave all glory to Jesus and did not allow the people to esteem him or even confuse him with the Messiah. He points them right to Jesus. He tells them to expect someone else who is coming right after him. And he even tells them that the Messiah will have a DIFFERENT baptism! The baptism of FIRE. He is speaking of the Holy Spirit! ‭‭

Luke‬ ‭3:15‭-‬16‬ ‭NLT‬‬
[15] Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. [16] John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.3.16.NLT

John the Baptist

1. Sets himself apart and lived in the wilderness. He has consecrated himself unto the Lord.

2. He hears from God and then does what God says. He preaches the message God tells him to preach and he baptizes the people in water as instructed by God.

3. He is aware of his role and the role of Jesus. He doesn’t confuse the two. He doesn’t dare to touch the glory of the Lord. He continually clarifies to the people that he is NOT Messiah, but a voice crying out and paving the way. He tells the people that the baptism Jesus will bring will be FIRE!

We can learn so so much from Luke 3 and the example of John the Baptist.

We are also called to be Ambassadors for Jesus who teach the gospel and prepare hearts to receive Jesus.

We are called to walk in a unique destiny given by God.

And as we move in the destiny God calls us to, there will be power in our walk. We will be filled with Holy Spirit and people will see God in our lives. When they do, we must continually remind them that God deserves ALL the glory.

JESUS is the One whom the praise, the glory, and the honor is to go to.

He is the One who authored our faith and who will finish our faith!

Will you set yourself apart unto Him and be a voice speaking out on behalf of Jesus this Christmas?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to consecrate ourselves unto You. Help us to draw near to You and hear Your holy instructions for us. Give us boldness to speak Jesus and announce Him to everyone we encounter. Lord, strengthen us to share our faith and hope in Jesus Christ with zeal!

In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

Blessings!

Vanessa Lynn