Passage
John 1:19-28 (ESV)
Go, Stand, and Tell the Words of Life
Acts 5:17-42
Key Verse: 5:20
The Voice in the Wilderness
Date: Jan. 4, 2024
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 1:23
He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
John the Baptist came as a voice in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. Many people came into the wilderness to hear John speak and be baptized. Like Jesus, John taught repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He also urged those in positions of power to care for and not take advantage of those in need (Lk 3). He made disciples and even challenged religious authority.
John the Baptist was a great man of God, but he was humble enough to let his followers know that he was just preparing the way for the Messiah.
It can be tempting to claim ourselves as the ones who can save another person. Even as Christians who proclaim Jesus as Lord, how easy it is to take it upon ourselves to control the outcomes of another soul. Like John, we must know our limits and boundaries. Only then can the Holy Spirit work to really bring about new life in each person, beyond our imagination or desires.
Prayer: Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending your people to share the gospel. May Jesus be our true shepherd and source of life-changing power and salvation.
One Word: One Word: Make straight the way for the Lord
