In the ‘On Deck Circle’
John the Baptist was a voice crying in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” He was sent by God to prepare his people for the coming of their Messiah, Christ the Lord. John’s message of living in the light of the Lord’s return is a message we need to be reminded of again and again; because we forget so soon.
Like John you need not go into a literal desert, but we can reform ourselves, separate ourselves from the world morally and spiritually so that we can hear God’s voice more clearly. Many do this through times of fasting and prayer. It’s a little hard on the flesh but it does get you re-focused and help you keep the main thing the main thing; which is seeking the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33)
The apostle Paul did this from time to time. He reminds us in Romans 13: 12 (NIV) “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
This is what John the Baptist is calling us to do.
Paul goes on in Romans 13: 13-14 and says, “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
John the Baptist is a great model and inspiration for reforming our daily life style. A He reminds us that a s Christians we must guard our eyes and minds as well as our spirits.
The eyes are the gateway to the soul. This means we should exclude from them every harmful thing. Certain television shows and movies, and novels, can have their corrupting influence and encourage pleasures and an ego-centered philosophy of life.
This means that once in a while we should go into the desert of fasting and prayer to keep our hearts prepared for the coming of the Lord. Again, because we so easily forget and like mindless sheep gradually get side-tracked.
We are commanded to live in light of the Parousia of our Lord Jesus Christ, for as II Peter 3: 10-14 reminds us, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”
The King is coming. Do not be so earthly bound that you are not prepared for His coming,
“Lord may I know thee more Clearly, love thee more Dearly and follow thee more Nearly, Till You Come. Amen!
Pastor Robert Bryant