IN THE PAST few days, our faith has been tried.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Cor. 4:8-9)
And we've realized that no one passes through life on calm seas.
The Narrative
FOR YEARS, the people of Israel were ruled by the Romans.
They looked forward to the coming of the Messiah—the one who would set them free. So, when John the Baptist came on the scene, they were delighted.
He reminded them of the old prophets—John lived in the wilderness, wore wild clothes, and ate wild honey.
His message was stern but exciting. John wasn't afraid of anyone.
He seemed unfriendly, but he spoke the mind of God.
People went to him confessing their sins, and he baptized them with water. (Matt. 3:1-6)
Do you point people to Jesus?
JOHN knew that he was a man of purpose.
And he told them that the One who would come after him would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matt. 3:11)
Our essence is to make everyone that we meet see the abilities of Jesus.
Do you feel unqualified?
IF YOU DO, you are not alone.
When Jesus came to him at Jordan to be baptized, he tried to deter him.
But Jesus told him, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." (Matt. 3:15)
The grace that saw John and called him by name will see you. God will bring you to His table.
Our essence is to make everyone that we meet see the abilities of Jesus.
Are you an example?
LEADERS are supposed to be role models. But at times, they can be a terror to good conduct.
Herod, the reigning governor in Galilee, married Herodias, his brother's wife. (Matt. 14:1-5)
When John heard of it, he denounced the marriage and called it adulterous.
Herod was angry. He wanted John dead, but he feared how the people would react if he killed him.
So, he arrested him and put John in prison. But John knew that no one born of God passes the world on calm waters—and everything in life comes with a cost. (Luke 14:25-34)
What do you think?
WHEN THINGS happen to you in life, they make you think. When you hear things, you ask questions.
He heard about the miracles of Jesus, so he sent his disciples to ask him a question.
"Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matt. 11:3)
Jesus told them to go back and tell John what they had seen and heard.
What do you do?
NOTHING gives courage like knowing that the Lord is with you.
And when you trust God, you can trust the water and the fire. (Is. 43:2)
What is your testimony?
AS JOHN'S DISCIPLES were leaving, Jesus began testifying of John. He believed in John's ministry.
Can God testify of you?
When you walk in obedience to the scriptures, He will testify of you.
The bible commended many people for their faith. (Heb. 11)
And God testified that Abraham would instruct his children in the way of the Lord. (Gen. 18:19)
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
JOHN had no untold truth. He pleased God.
He had these three things: the purpose of God, the will of God and the reality of God.
In life, you must ensure that your expectations are met in God's reality.