Savior: The Promise FulfilledSample

The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand – John the Baptist

When Elizabeth saw Mary, her unborn child - John the Baptist - leaped, because he was filled with joy. Though John wasn’t born yet, he had a spiritual awareness and responded to the presence of the Spirit of God. “This was probably the time when he was filled with the Spirit as the angel had promised (Luke 1:15). Even before his birth, John rejoiced in Jesus Christ, just as he did during his earthly ministry (John 3:29–30). As John the Baptist, he would have the great privilege of introducing the Messiah to the Jewish nation.” – Warren Wiersbe, “Be Compassionate.” 

That was the beginning for John. When he became a man and preached in the wilderness, his message came from the Spirit of God. It was a simple, and yet, a hard to believe message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The kingdom of heaven still is at hand today. 

John the Baptist had a mission and he committed to it with all his heart, mind, and soul. He left everything and lived in the wilderness. He left behind all comfort. Matthew says that he wore a garment of camel´s hair and ate locust and wild honey (Matthew 3:4).

What are you willing to do to share the message of God´s love and forgiveness with others? What comforts – if any – are you willing to give up in order to share Jesus? God has given you work to do. Are you full of excuses not to obey Him? Or are you, as John, fully committed to whatever He has commanded you to do?

Dear Father, help me be bold and courageous. Help me obey You with all my heart. I want to commit to the works You have planned for me. If You are asking me to give up things in order to do Your will, help me understand that nothing is wasted in Your hands and that You will give me everything I need. Amen. 

Mini Challenge: Whom can you share Jesus with today? Whether you invite someone to your church´s Christmas program, share a verse to encourage a friend, or choose a few random acts of kindness – find some creative ways to shine for Jesus!