Today’s Reading:
Mark 1:4-11
“And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (v. 4 (NIV)
The purpose of the presence of John the Baptist in the wilderness is to prepare the way for the arrival of Jesus Christ. His assignment was specified and he carried it out specifically and in humility (v.7). His garment and diet were very significant and figurative, the garment portrays him as a replica of Prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1: 8), his diet of locust, which represents judgements for the reprobate (Exodus 10: 13-15, Joel 1: 2-5), and wild honey which signifies blessing, restoration and salvation for repentance (Joel 2; 25-32).
Baptism without repentance is useless. God has no delight in the death of a sinner he wants all to repent and be saved. John’s baptism at river Jordan is of a great significance, river Jordan is a place of power, miracles took place there, river Jordan is the entrance into the promised land, the Almighty God separated the water and made the Israelites to cross on a dry land. Likewise, repentance and baptism should usher believers into salvation and God’s promises, baptism should bring about a phase change. Elijah and Elisha crossed river Jordan after which there was a great transfer of power; therefore, a baptism of repentance should usher a believer into a new realm of power. When Jesus Christ was baptised in the same river Jordan, a confirmatory voice of the person of Christ was heard from heaven, these are just a few of the many significant miracles at river Jordan.
Do you know the specific purpose and plan of God for your life? Are you walking in the specified plan of God for your life? Have you had a Jordan experience? That is, physical baptism and baptism of the Holy Spirit. The lifestyle of John the Baptist shows that he knew the plan and purpose of God for his life and he remained focused.
Determine never to go back to sin again and be focused.
EMMANUEL TAIWO BELLO
Pr
I repent from every form of unrighteousness in my life; please forgive me Lord, in Jesus name.
Lord Jesus, help me to identify the specific purpose and plans that you have for my life, in Jesus name.
Father, I chose to walk in your specific plan for my life, in Jesus name.
Our Churches shall be a place of repentance and divine encounter in Jesus’ name, in Jesus name.
Righteous God, please touch the hearts of all our political and religious leaders in this nation and lead them to govern in your perfect will and purpose for the nation, in Jesus name.
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