Luke 3:3

The word of God had come to John the Baptist in the desert – it was his turn at bat (so to speak)! His time had fully come! John had remained in the desert until his public appearance. He was to go into all the country around the Jordan proclaiming and heralding God’s message. John was the fulfillment of the following prophecy in Isaiah: 3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)
John was to preach a baptism of repentance – this was to be an outward picture of an inward change of heart. The baptism did not save anyone but pointed to the One who would save them. It showed them their need. He was the forerunner of Christ. Like John the Baptist, we too are called to proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus to a hurting world to make ready a people for Christ’s return. We should ask ourselves if we know anybody experiencing a desert period in their lives; or if we know anyone who has left “the way” and taken “crooked paths”? If so perhaps this verse is for us. We should be prepared to herald the truth to a hurting world in preparation for Christ’s second coming. We should consider our sphere of influence. Pain, disappointment, and heartache are rampant. As believers, we offer hope to a world that so desperately needs it. We should not let an opportunity to minister pass us by. It is interesting to note that in those days when a king traveled the desert, workmen preceded him to clear debris and smooth out the roads to make his trip easier. In like manner, John went ahead of Jesus smoothing the way so that a large number of people were ready to receive Jesus’ message. This is just as true in our day. As we go along are we leaving the “sweet aroma” of Jesus behind to all we encounter? This is our call – we are to be a “planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor” (Isaiah 61:3). The word rendered baptism is the Greek word “Baptisma” which means to dip; the actual act of baptism. The word rendered repentance is the Greek word “Metanoia” meaning to change one’s mind. The act of baptism was a sign that the mind of the person had been changed. This is the definition of true repentance – a changed mind, - a turning from one direction to another. John was preparing a people made ready for the Lord. The forgiveness of sins of course, would be based upon Christ’s substitutionary and sacrificial death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. John himself was not offering salvation, he was pointing to the One who would bring it. Many verses come to mind to support our going forth proclaiming Christ to a hurting world: 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23 (NIV)
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Tim 4:2-3 (NIV) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)
Yes, John serves as a wonderful example for us too! He was prepared and he went forth. May those who come behind us find us as faithful!