THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 3:7-12
“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)
Some people in church all about the symbols and ceremonies.
Kneeling, sign of the cross, baptism, Christmas and Easter, church wedding.
Some people do it out of custom or superstition.
Some people do it because it looks good on them.
Like deeply religious church goers, who want people to see their piety.
John is challenging the religious leaders about their symbolic piety.
He is not refusing them baptism, but he is urging them to keep it real.
Actually believe what the symbol represents (repentance), and show it!
This is especially true when it comes to Jesus and His baptism!
Jesus means business, He is not just looking for outward religion.
He will penetrate our hearts with His Spirit, and purge them with holy fire.
He will expose sin, reveal greed, challenge idolatry and root out selfishness.
Not because He’s mean or hates us, but because He loves us and wants to set us free.
Do you want to know Jesus like this, as a real life-changing heart encounter?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, rescue me from the bondage and blindness of outward religion. Set a fire in my heart to purge the crap and to energize my soul for real life!