Prepare
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Sep 28, 2024
- 2 min read
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:27-29)
Repentance was the central focus of John the Baptist’s ministry. He called the people to turn away from their sins and be baptized as a sign of repentance. Repentance isn’t just saying that you’re sorry; it’s turning away from doing evil things. Although sin may have become a part of your lifestyle, when you repent, you turn away from sin and toward God. Then you follow Him with all your heart.
John’s message of repentance prepared the people’s hearts to receive and follow Jesus and His message. It created the right conditions for Jesus to begin His ministry as the people realized their need for a Savior.
Why did Jesus’ ministry begin at 30 instead of 25 or 45? It was because the conditions were right for people to receive from Jesus. Repentance meant that people could walk in the message that Jesus brought because they disconnected from their sins and realigned themselves with a readiness to walk according to God’s will.
The same practice should apply to our lives as well. When we repent of our sins, separate ourselves from decisions made apart from God’s will, and decide to listen to and align ourselves with God’s Word, we create the right conditions for His power and peace to manifest in our lives.
Practical Application
Prepare yourself for what God wants you to do by aligning yourself with His Word and His will. Repent quickly for anything you do that is not in accordance with God’s will and ask Him to help you realign your priorities and focus on Him.
