Thursday, 31st October, 2024
Bible Reading: Matthew 4:17
Memory Verse: He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the LORD,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” John 1:23 (NKJV)
John the Baptist is one Bible character that catches my attention. He was considered the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. A man who didn’t call down fire like Elijah did. He was a man who never raised the dead like Elisha did. He didn’t command the firmament like Joshua did. He didn’t walk with God in the order of Enoch. He didn’t destroy thousands of Philistines like Samson did. He never fought a war like David and his mighty men did.
Then, why would Jesus make this type of statement: “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!” Matthew 11:11 (NLT). The answer is not far-fetched. John himself answered the question in passing while declaring his mission statement, “…I am a voice crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’…” John 1:23 (BLB). He simply preached The Kingdom of God. He preached repentance! Repentance from every dead work of sin!! This is a great lesson for every modern day preacher. Matter to what matter in the heart of God. Stay in your calling. It may not be popular, but in the sight of God, it is very significant.
The Greek word for repent entails more than mere sorrow or regret. It means “to change the mind and will” and encompasses the idea of turning around and heading in the opposite direction. Repentance does not refer to just any change, but to a change from sin to righteousness. It involves sorrow over sin, but goes beyond that to produce both changed thinking and the desire for a changed life (2 Cor. 7:10). John declared that if the people would turn from their rebellious pride and embrace a life of wholehearted obedience, they would be ready for the Messiah. Dear friends, have you repented from all the dead works of sin in your life?
Are you prepared to meet the King of kings and Lord of lords? Are you like the 5 wise virgins earnestly waiting for the arrival of the soon coming king? Then you need to repent from forgery, anger, pride, deceit, backbiting, adultery, fornication, lust, lying, etc. If you are not save, then you are not safe. You are a Pastor does not mean you are born again. You are a worker in Church does not mean you are born again. You are an ordained bishop, deacon, or elder does not mean you are born again. There are many campus student fellowship executives that need to repent of their secret sins. Thus saith the Lord of host, “Repent and be restored. Tomorrow may be too late” Read 2 Timothy 2:19.
Quote: I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God – John 3:3 (NLT)
Prophetic Decree: I command your soul out of the shackles of hell, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Jesus, I repent of my secret sins today. Please wash me by your Blood, in Jesus name.
2. Today, I rededicate my life to Jesus as my personal Lord and saviour, in Jesus name.
3. I break the yoke of easily besetting sins that has tied down my destiny for long, in Jesus name.
4. Appetite for sexual sin, die in my heart today, in Jesus name.
5. Today, I receive fresh fire to remain heaven’s candidate, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 19, Mark 10
