Scripture
“I baptise you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Observation
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness proclaiming his message of repentance. People come from all over to be baptised by him and to confess their sins.
John denounces the Pharisees and Sadducees who come for baptism. He sees their true motives and warns them to produce fruits of righteousness. They must not presume to have God’s favour for being descendants of Abraham, for God is about to lay the axe at every tree that does not bear good fruit.
John baptises people with water for repentance, but one is coming who is greater than he and who will baptise with Holy Spirit and fire.

Application
There are many who claim to follow Jesus but their hearts are far from Him. They claim to have repented yet do not produce the fruits of following Jesus.
What are these fruits? Firstly a changed life in which sin is being overcome and godliness is evident. Secondly, the baptism in the Holy Spirit- a relationship with God  in which prayers are answered, other lives are changed and miracles are manifest. Thirdly a baptism of fire in which the things which distract from Christ are burnt away- worldly pursuits of all kinds being replaced with a passion for Christ.
We need to constantly reflect on our path through life. Is my life becoming more like Jesus or less? Am I showing the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my daily walk? What needs to change in my habits and attitudes?

Prayer
Lord Jesus baptise me with the Holy Spirit and with fire and give me the grace to align my life with your priorities for me. Amen.

Related articles

• The Testimony of John the Baptist (wordspirittruth.wordpress.com)
• In those days: John’s Baptism (friarmusings.wordpress.com)
• John the Baptist: “He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease” (prayers4reparation.wordpress.com)
• The First Step to Salvation: What Is Baptism? (christianity.answers.com)
• Second Sunday of Advent 8.12.13 Matthew 3.1-12 (preachersfriend.wordpress.com)

Scripture

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming!”

Observation

Jesus teaches His followers that they need to be ready for His return. No one except the Father knows when this will be. Everyone will be living normally, not giving any thought to the Lord. Like in Noah’s day, this will result in God’s swift judgement.

 So we need to be ready. The Son of Man will return as unexpectedly as a burglar entering a home.

 Application

Christians cannot afford to get sucked into the world’s way of thinking. People who don’t know Jesus scoff at any thought that the world as they know it is coming to an end and that they may face the judgement seat of the Lord. Christians also can be deceived into focussing on the concerns of this life.

 Our focus needs to be on Jesus, always. The end could come tomorrow. Even if Jesus is not returning any time soon, we all face the reality that our earthly lives may come to an end at any time.

 Prayer

Lord help me to keep my eyes on you, to serve you in all things and to live the life you call me to. Let me be found ready for the return of the King. Amen.

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