Many times throughout history, God has worked in extraordinary ways through powerful speakers who preach boldly—inciting a faith awakening, or renewal, or revival. One of the Bible’s most famous preachers was John the Baptist, whose voice made ripples from the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus.
To many, John the Baptist looked like a wild man. Dressed in clothes woven from camel hair held on with a leather belt, John’s diet was locusts and wild honey. The Greek translation for Locusts most likely refers to the insects used in plagues sent by God, but there was also a locust bean—a pod from the carob or locust tree. Biblical scholars still debate which it was that John ate. No matter! No debate exists about what a powerful and bold character he was!
Because he was such a fiery preacher, “People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.” (Matthew 3: 5-6) John the Baptist didn’t mind stepping on your toes, or hurting your feelings. He was sent to tell you the truth. The religious, but hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees who came to watch him baptize did not escape his wrath. “‘You brood of snakes!’ he exclaimed. ‘Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God…. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.’” (Matthew 3: 7-10) John didn’t mince words. If you weren’t right with God, he made it known so you could come back into a right relationship with your creator.
While baptizing, John always made it clear that someone greater than he was coming—someone “so much greater that “I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals.” (Matthew 3: 11). Truly, when God is on the cusp of doing something really big with revival, He sends a preacher to not only proclaim the mighty name of Jesus, but also to call the masses to wake up and change the way they have been thinking or living. John the Baptist was that man before his cousin, Jesus, started His earthly ministry.
The three points John used to prepare the way for revival are as relevant today as they were when Christ was on his way to change the world. “His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’” (Matthew 3: 2). Repent means to turn. Turn away from sin, turn toward Christ. Turn away from the things that pull you away from God and turn toward the one who gives you eternal life and freedom from sin.
Second, John’s was “a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for Him!’” (Matthew 3: 3) So, this is your John the Baptist wake-up call to “Get Ready!” When we’re too young and fun to seek God, too self-absorbed or independent to seek God, too busy and distracted to seek God, too tired or apathetic to seek God, remember one day it will be too late to seek God. Let’s find joy in taking the opportunity to follow Christ today.
Third, John called for people to love and give like Jesus would. When crowds who had repented asked, what they should do, “John replied, ‘If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” (Luke 3:11) Want to follow John’s orders and be ready when Jesus returns? Then come join a joyous congregation wanting the same at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula. Small group Bible study is at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday nights activities at 6:30 p.m. Be restored. Be renewed. Be rejuvenated to live out God’s purpose for your life in mighty revival.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
