IBS-Baptizing

Oct. 6, 2011

Mark 1:4

"John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

I observe a few different things in this verse. First, the placement of this story. It immediately follows the further quoted command to prepare the way for the Lord. John was preparing the way for the Lord in the way He was called to do, baptizing people into the faith. He also went into the wilderness, I'm sure, fully aware of the discomfort that would occur in living there. He went far into the wilderness because God called him to, and he went willingly. Lastly, I notice, the preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. In order for our sins to be forgiven we must fully repent, and be aware of what we've done wrong, and want to change, so that we no longer are clothed in sin, but washed clean, and wearing the breastplate of righteousness.

I am going to pray and meditate on how I can prepare the way for Jesus to come again. I am going to pray that God sends me divine  appointments so I can share His word. I want to rely 100% on His Spirit to guide me in the words to say to others to point the focus all to Christ who we so desperately need. I want to not be afraid to go where He leads me, no matter where that is, so His will may be done in my life, regardless of my personal preference and comfort. I want to repent immediately of all sins I have committed, such as consciously neglecting His word and time with Him. I want to lead by example, and not merely by the words of my mouth but the actions of my body, spirit, and the heart, or mindset behind it all, that I am doing everything to simply bring glory to Christ, and nothing for my own gain. 

2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?"