“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— 3“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” -Mark 1:1-8
We are all “John the Baptists.” What I mean by that is that just like John the Baptist in this passage prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry, today as Christians we do the same for others. Ultimately it is only by the work of the Holy Spirit that someone’s heart can be changed. But, as Christians, we can help prepare someone to receive and to respond to the Holy Spirit.
How do we help prepare others? The most compelling testimony of God’s work on earth is a changed life. We prepare others for Jesus by allowing them to see Jesus in our own lives. John the Baptist lived a radical life in the wilderness and everyone at the time recognized that John was different in a holy way.
How do you live differently from everyone else at A@E or in Tenafly High School? You spend time with Jesus and you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. When you do so, you’re realize that you begin to treat your friends differently, your teachers differently, and yes, even you’re “enemies” differently. People see that and will begin to piece things together—they will begin to realize that the changes in you come from Christ.
Are preparing the way for others? Are you living a radical life that when people see you there is no doubt that you’re in love with Jesus?
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