Scripture to Read: Mark 1
The focus of the sermon today is going to be on John the Baptist and how he came to prepare the way for our Lord. Then all this week, in the next set of devotions, we will see how God used John the Baptist and also how He desires to use us to proclaim our Lord and King. God used John the Baptist to tell everyone that Jesus, the Messiah, had arrived. John declared to everyone; they needed to repent to receive forgiveness. What we proclaim today is not much different. People must know that they must repent (willingly turn away) from their sin and turn to our Lord Jesus Christ to receive the fullness of His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We must share this news, just as John the Baptist did. Even though we do not see it in the passage of Scripture today, we know John the Baptist was bold as he shared his message. We see the evidence of John’s boldness recorded in different passages throughout Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. That is the kind of courage our Lord wants us to have. The awesome news is that God, through His Holy Spirit in us, has given us His boldness. God has confirmed that we have His Spirit in us in 2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 8:15; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:13 and many more. God desires that we walk in His boldness and share His Good News through the courage we have in Him.
Challenge & Application
What did you learn today about the boldness you need to be a witness for our Lord? How will what you have learned change the way you feel about sharing Christ with others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!