Preparing the way | Mat 3:11

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” - Matthew 3:11

John the Baptist had a powerful and successful ministry. He was regarded by the people as a prophet, and his preaching had garnered the attention of even the most powerful people. Yet this power was not his own, nor was it for his glory. His sole purpose was to be a forerunner for One even greater than himself—One whose shoes he said he was not worthy to unlatch.

Christian, we ought to have a similar ministry. Like John, we are called to be a voice crying, “Prepare the way! Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Our sole purpose in this life is to prepare others to meet the One they will see after us—the One whose shoe latchet we are not worthy to unlatch.

The key to a powerful and successful ministry is operating in His power, unto His glory, and waiting on His promised appearance.

We wait not only for His appearance at the closing of time, but for His appearance in the midst of our ministering. Right in the middle of John’s sermon, Jesus showed up, and God glorified Him. So must it be with our ministering. You never know what hour, while you’re sharing the good news with your family, friends, or neighbors, Christ will manifest His presence.

When He comes, He baptizes with the Holy Ghost and with fire. He speaks “as never a man spoke before.” Our hearts burn within us as He walks and talks with us along the way. His presence is a thousand times more persuasive than the most prepared sermon. When he calls there is a persuasion to come as a sheep to his shepherd, or a child to his father. When he warns there is a reality that is unshakable.

So, May we be the forerunners of Christ’s presence in the lives of our community. Let us lift our voices and cry aloud, and while we are speaking of Him, may He appear and draw men unto Himself.