Matthew 3

Read Matthew 3 – Revival! Meet John the Baptist – he’s an odd duck, hanging out in the wilderness, eating locusts and honey (which I understand to be quite nutritious), wearing strange attire, preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. ” And yet Scripture records that masses were going out to him to be baptized (:5).

Revival is like that, it sweeps through, awakening souls to the deep need to repent and be saved.

Even the religious leaders came out, and John was not about to let them fake it. He called them a brood of vipers and told them there would be no resting on their pedigrees. John’s simple statement is the true sign of a born again life, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. ” :8

Beloved, does your life stand up to this? Every day is a second chance for a brand new start.

And in the midst of this revival, Jesus shows up! This was an important moment in his rescue mission. Jesus stepped in the place of sinful man, was baptized and rose from that water… it’s so beautiful… you simply must read it from your bible and not merely this encouragement.

Did you identify with John when he felt ill equipped to baptize Jesus (:14)…. Remember, if Jesus calls you to something, he will make you able. And, as God spoke those words over Jesus, did your heart leap for joy(:17)?

Beloved, pray for revival to sweep through your family, friends, workplace, community, our nation and the whole world. Wear your joy like a banner. The kingdom of heaven is near.