MONDAY, JANUARY 15
Luke 3:1-6
Matthew 11:7-15

“Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
which shall prepare thy way before thee”

THE PREPARATION FOR THE WAY

The historicity of the Bible is asserted in this passage where the narrative is historically true and accurate. However, we do not subject the Bible to the historical records of man but accept the Bible as the sole authority of our faith and practice.

The year was AD 26. It was about 400 years after Malachi prophesied about John the Baptist, the Lord’s forerunner. John the Baptist started his ministry when he was about thirty years old during the reign of Tiberius Caesar. It was the time when there were two high priests: Caiaphas and his father-in-law, Annas. It indicates a state of trouble and confusion. Though there was to be only one high priest, the sacred office was torn into two by ambition and tyranny.

The Jordan River was the place for preaching and baptizing. John preached in all places along the river, specifically in the wilderness of Judea. Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins was John’s message, so it was fitting that he spent most of his time near a body of water. John did not boast about his ministry, he declared instead that One mightier than him was coming. He was referring to the Lord Jesus Christ. Unlike today’s popular evangelists, John did not blow his own horn nor set aside the name of Christ.

His preaching was for all flesh to see the salvation of God. He minced no words in rebuking the people of their sins and in seeking out fruits worthy of their professed repentance. Read Matthew 11:9-10.

The accuracy of the Bible must all the more give us Christians stronger convictions that we must continue to labour for the Lord and preach His Word to everyone. It must compel us to strive to preach and teach this truth, the only absolute truth!

THOUGHT: Do I have a zeal and passion to share the good news?
PRAYER: Lord, I thank Thee for Thy great plan of salvation.