This means Amanda, that every effort we take to MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT on those around us — seeking justice, creating peace — we are causing the will of God to be realized, right now. John the Baptist called the crowds to prepare the way for the Lord. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” (Mal. 4:5) Remember Elijah didn’t die, but was taken up to heaven. The Jews thought John might be Elijah, which would mean the arrival of the Messiah was imminent. His dress, diet, lifestyle, and ministry were very similar to Elijah’s. He ministered in the spirit and power of Elijah “…he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17) John both is and is not Elijah. He is Elijah in spirit; he is not literally Elijah in the flesh.
John was very different/weird Amanda. Everyone who wanted to hear him had to come to the wilderness. But John was exceedingly popular and drew large crowds. WHY DO YOU THINK HE WAS SO SUCCESSFUL? He carried a message that the people’s hearts had been prepared to hear. They had been waiting 400 years for a word from God.
“The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. HE (Jesus) WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE.” (Luke 3:15-16)
WE NEED TO BE PRESENTING, PROCLAIMING AND PREACHING JESUS…
Your Personal Pastor -Dad…