The Crazy Man!

Read the first 20 verses of Luke chapter 3. Chapter 3 introduces John the baptist whom God sent to get people ready to hear Jesus. In the same way every Superbowl has hours of commentary that proceed it - to prepare people to fully experience it. God the father wanted his people ready to receive Jesus. Verse 4-6 is a quote from the Old Testament. It shows that John's coming was prophesied hundred of years earlier. V. 5 "mountains made low" refers to the preparation of hearts. John's message was all about repentance - getting people's hearts ready to accept Jesus. His goals was to help people see how far from God they had gotten. Repentance always proceeds Jesus presence. Even in our life we must be willing to turn away from sin before the presence of God will dwell with us. And the power of God to transform us is only as a result of his presence. The process is - repent - receive presence - receive power to produce fruit (evidence of change).

v. 20 Many who are called to prepare people for Jesus won't be received warmly. John is arrested for his preaching.

questions

1) read v. 10-4 again. What might the Lord be asking you to turn away from? Have you asked Him? 

2) read v. 16 again. How do you sense the Holy Spirit in your life? Luke 11:13 invites us to ask for more of the Holy Spirit - would you do that?

3) John the Baptist had no fear or what others thought and he had no fear of his own future. What fear do you have that might keep you from serving God?

Prayer

Lord search our hearts - reveal our sin - we turn back to you now. We confess we have run after

many worldly things and worried over our lives without bringing our worries to you first. Please forgive us father. Give us the boldness of John the baptist today so we can help prepare others for the presence of God.