Κύριος Notes:Voices in the Desert

Adoration/Praise

EMMANUEL

EMMANUEL,

OUR GOD IS WITH US,

PRINCE OF PEACE, MIGHTY ONE

THE EVER-LIVING GOD!

SEE THE PRAISES OF OUR SAVIOR

RISE TO OPEN SKIES

WITH THE DAWNING OF REDEMPTION

YOUR GLORY WILL ARISE
Raymond Badham

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 3:1-6

1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "

The preparation for Your ministry in my life Lord Jesus still requires that I make straight the path for you in my heart. There is repentance that is required to this day...repentance for things done and undone.

4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John came dressed like a prophet and eating like a prophet with a prophets message of the need for internal change. He came at the right time, the nation was ready for the message of the need for change, the need for response and the reality of hope.

Lord Jesus the people's hearts were prepared by the work of the Holy Spirit in ways at the time that may not have been recognizable as being the work of God. It could have been the Roman taxes, it could have been the ineffective leadership of puppet kings, it could have been the clearly corrupt leadership of the temple. That preparation could have just been the internal need for reality in their interactions and encounters with the Spirit of God.

John's voice in the desert crying out for repentance and changed lives was at first alone. But as the Holy Spirit used a lone voice, there was a turn that took place in the nation and in the hearts of the people. You can still use a voice that is raised speaking your words.

John's message is true right now Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus prepare my heart for your work today.