03
An ambassador for Christ
Ken SilvaLuke 3:3-6
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God's salvation".
The physician Luke describes the political landscape (who was in power) in Chapter 3. This is important because it helps to date John the Baptist's ministry (A.D. 28-29). This coincides withJesus's ministry which scholars think ended around A.D. 33. John ministers in the wilderness, brings "the word of God and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins". John's baptism is one of preparation for the coming of the Lord. Repentance means a "turning of the mind", a change of attitude that allows submission to the one who is coming, Jesus.
As the new year begins, I reflect on the multitude of things that occurred in 2014. I have been asking myself, "am I doing the things the Lord has called me to do". "Have I been obedient to God's call on my life." I feel that I need to be more intentional in leading people to Christ. I need to live a life that is spirit filled so that others can see the light in me. A while back I was speaking to a friend who is a pastor and a psychologist. He told me that there is an undeniable attraction to those that have the light of God's love in their lives. Just as John was preparing the way for the coming of the Lord, I also have a responsibilityto do the same. I need to reach out to those that don't know God's love. I need to be an ambassador for Christ.
Dear Lord, father God, I thank you for the breath of life. I thank you for loving me unconditionally. Help me to reach those that don't know you. Help me to find the words and be sensitive to those that are seeking you. With this new year I ask for your spirit to live in me and guide me. Dear Lord I love you and thank you for all things. Amen
