Concerning the message of repentance
…the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins… Luke 3:2b-3
This was John’s calling, pure and simple. To preach, to baptize, and to lead people to repentance.
Hundreds of years before John was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote concerning the Baptist and outlined his very specific task:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” Luke 3:4-6; Isaiah 40:3-5
Prepare the way of the Lord
Main thing needed to prepare the Messiah’s way? Activate hunger for repentance in the hearts of all Israel.
Make His paths straight
How would the Messiah’s path be made straight? Men and women must be primed to recognize their intense need for God; acknowledge their sinfulness; and understand that the Lord alone was God—not they themselves.
Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low
But how? Simply put, John would not recognize men or women according to their position, power, or prosperity. Each had sinned—the poorest and the wealthiest; each had gone his own way—the greatest and the lowliest; each must repent and be forgiven—the weakest and the most powerful.
The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth
Crooked and corrupt places and preferences would fall under the purifying, “straightening” correction of the Messiah. Rough, difficult ways would be smoothed out by His healing touch and watchful eye.
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
The door would be opened through the preparing work of the Baptist and the saving ministry of the Messiah for all flesh to see and embrace the salvation of God.
So….in light of this overarching, heart-impacting calling, you might imagine the loving, welcoming nature of the message flowing from the Baptist in the wilderness. Right? Take a look at the biblical account:
So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:7-9
Let’s face it. John would not be invited to many conferences or campmeetings if he were around today. What a buzz-kill! Let’s review some of his oratory:
- He called them a brood of vipers
- He asked them who warned them to flee the wrath to come
- He told them to repent—and then prove it by their lifestyle
- He commanded them not to rely on their pedigree or church affiliation to save them
- He bluntly warned that the axe was poised and ready to cut the root of every tree that didn’t bear the fruit of repentance—and by “tree” he meant them!
- Trees that didn’t produce repentance fruits would be thrown into the fire
And yet, despite the scalding nature of his presentation, this was precisely what he was called to do, say, and preach! Sugar-coating error, sin, selfishness, and self-importance would not make straight the way of the Lord. No; this fiery bluntness was exactly what God prescribed to shake men and women out of spiritual lethargy and error. The proof was in the pudding:
And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” Luke 3:10
The response to the Baptist’s brusque preaching was heightened concern. His message was hitting the bull’s eye. They recognized the gravity of their condition.
They asked, “What do we need to do in order to change?” John gave specific examples of the life-transforming power of repentance.
- If you have two tunics, share with someone who has none.
- Do you have extra food? Share it with someone who’s hungry.
- To tax gatherers: Don’t cheat and swindle people out of their money.
- To soldiers: Don’t rob people. Don’t falsely accuse anyone. Be content with your wages.
John prepared the way of the Lord by heightening the spiritual concern of the people and by revealing the lifestyle that would flow from true repentance.
…the people were in a state of expectation…
Instead of being turned off by the message, the people knew God was ready to do something big. They were even wondering if John was the Messiah….
The Baptist, true to the heavenly calling, did not commandeer these popular musings to elevate himself or to flaunt his great ministry. Instead, he corrected such thoughts with piercingly blunt humility:
“As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:16-17
John stayed true to the flavor and flow of the original call by refusing to be confused with the One whose way he was preparing. Likewise, he remained faithful, even in the face of deadly consequences, as the Baptist rebuked King Herod for flagrantly violating God’s law by indulging in an adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife. To John, no person or topic was off limits as he prepared the way of the Lord.
Jesus is returning again to planet Earth. And again, the world is in a place of complacency and resistance to the things of God. Like John the Baptist before us, you and I have a part to play in preparing the way of the Lord.
And a huge part of that task will involve readying the world through the message of repentance.
This is quite an hour.
Dorothy
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young [or too anything else, for that matter!].’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:7-8, NIV; brackets my own commentary
© 2017, Dorothy Frick
Read MoreConcerning Jesus; concerning our time
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:25-26
Something caught my attention in Luke Chapter 2. I think you’ll understand why as you read.
The Bible, a Book from antiquity, is astonishingly current. Here we see an obscure, ancient prophet named Simeon, living his life, following his God, with a promise in his heart—he would not die before he saw the Messiah. This event, a snapshot in obscurity, would have faded forever had Luke not discovered it in his investigations and recorded it in his book about Jesus. And something Simeon prophesied that day reverberates today, shining a spotlight on the antagonistic provokers of our time.
“And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God…” Luke 2:27-28
It just so happened that this godly elder, holding fast to his promise from God, wandered into the temple at the very moment Mary and Joseph brought the Baby to be circumcised.
The Holy Spirit must have whispered to that gentleman, “This is the One you’ve longed to see!” as Simeon, undoubtedly overwhelmed with emotion, took the Infant into his arms and blessed God.
Are you waiting for God’s promise to you to manifest? Then like Simeon, continue on in righteousness and devotion with an eye to God’s Word, and let the Holy Spirit move on you, through you, and for you. One of these days, you, too, will wander into the manifestation of God’s promise for you. Just keep on keeping on in humble devotion and faith.
“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32
When God brings forth His promise to you, follow Simeon’s example—thank Him. Rejoice before Him in it. Give Him the extreme praise that He so rightfully deserves.
By the Spirit of God, Simeon’s eyes were opened to the import of this long-awaited Child he held in his arms. He uttered an unthinkably amazing truth: This little Man—the Messiah—was indeed the glory of Israel, and He was also a light of revelation to the Gentiles—the very One declared way back by the prophet Isaiah. (See Isaiah 9:1-7; Isaiah 42:5-7; Isaiah 49:6-7; Isaiah 51:4; Isaiah 60:1-3.)
“And Simeon…said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’” Luke 2:34-35
The beautiful scene of God fulfilling a long-awaited promise to an elderly saint also revealed the sober personal and global impact this Child would have.
To Mary, one day a sword would pierce her own soul when she would witness Him brutally crucified, taking on the sins of the world.
And as Isaiah had prophesied, “…the government will be upon His shoulder…” (see Isaiah 9:6). This One would sit as Judge over rulers and be appointed for the rise and fall of many in Israel. For that, matter, He would rule invisibly over all nations, even to the end of the world…and as a sign to be opposed.
Think about it. Has not Jesus been a sign that many seem hell-bent to oppose? Has not this Man of Peace, who laid down His life for the world, incurred the disgust, disdain, and wrath of many who have abhorred Him throughout history? Do you see any of that going on now in this hour?
Simeon foretold that all this hate was unto a specific end—to reveal the thoughts from many hearts.
This opposition is not a terrifying, out-of-control thing; no—it was predicted from the early days of Jesus’ life and has a purpose for those who seek to follow Him. Boiled down, this is what Simeon’s prophecy revealed: When opposition arises to the truth pertaining to Christ or even to simple, believing adherence to Him, use this as a sign—God has just revealed the opposer’s heart. Fear not, and proceed in faith—the Light of the world has your back.
The battle belongs to the Lord.
Dorothy
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…’” 2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV
The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm… Exodus 14:14, NLT
© 2017, Dorothy Frick
Read MoreFour ways God may lead you
Recently I started reading the book of Luke. Before I began, I prayed, “Lord, I’m asking You for a life-changing nugget or chunk of Truth from each chapter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Wouldn’t you know it? He came through for me right off the bat. In the very first chapter of Luke, I discovered four ways God uses to lead us. He has other methods as well, but the four I found in Luke One are extremely helpful.
Before I launch into this, here’s a word of caution. God’s leading never violates His Word. If the direction you are seeking to take is contrary to the Bible, it’s not from God. Abort that plan!
Another tidbit: If someone speaks a prophetic “word” over you, you are not obliged to obey it, especially if it doesn’t confirm what the Lord has already shown you. A verse in the Amplified Classic is my rule of thumb concerning all things prophetically/supernaturally imparted: “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds…]” (Colossians 3:15a).
- …it seemed fitting…
“…it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order…” (Luke 1:3)
Luke was a physician who took it upon himself to thoroughly investigate the life and works of Jesus and to document it all in book form.
How did he come up with such a project? Was it through a prophetic utterance or an angelic visitation? No; he launched into his writing assignment because it seemed fitting to him!
Does that freak you out? Have you always thought you needed a “supernatural word” for something to be of God? I’m here to encourage you: If you’re born of God and submitted to Him, then those things that seem fitting to you are very likely from the Lord. Joyce Meyer has said that sometimes believers accomplish very little with their lives as they sit and wait for a word from God. She then adds, “God can’t steer a parked car! Get moving so He can actually steer you in the right direction.”
It seemed fitting to Dr. Luke to record the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He wasn’t directed through a spectacular leading; God merely stepped in through Luke’s desire. And the result? He infused Luke’s writing with His anointing as he chronicled the miraculous events of the Lord’s life, including the now-familiar details surrounding the birth of Christ.
When something seems fitting to you, go ahead and step out. Obviously, you will need to keep listening for direction from Him as you go…and always give Him veto power. Barring any redirection, go ahead—step out. You’re being scriptural just like Dr. Luke!
2. …while he was performing his priestly service…
“Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division…an angel of the Lord appeared to him…” (Luke 1:8; 11a)
One way God shows up in your life to deposit direction is while you—like Zacharias—perform your priestly service before God! Yes, this does apply to you! He supports godly consistency in your daily life. Do you volunteer regularly in your local church? Do you have a practice of prayer, Bible reading, or ministering to the Lord and others in your private life? Then keep it up! God is working with you, and as you go, don’t be surprised when He drops a truth or guidance “bomb” on you…just because you’re faithful to “show up”!
- …and…was filled with the Holy Spirit…
“…and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said…” (Luke 1:41-42). “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying…” (Luke 1:67).
Another, more spectacular way, God may choose to lead you is to fill you with the Holy Spirit—instantly—for a specific task, which usually involves speaking out under the anointing of God.
Saul experienced something like this before he became king. First Samuel 19:23 records, “He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah.”
This kind of filling with the Holy Spirit is instantaneous and never human-initiated. God simply sees fit from time to time to overshadow a person, filling them with a specific “dosing” of the Holy Ghost, and to use their mouth for a specific purpose.
Of course, He will neither violate His Word with such an utterance, nor will He use someone else to impose direction on you that goes against what He’s already shown you. Remember the Amplified Classic version of Colossians 3:15 and let His peace and His Word be your umpire.
One caution: Just because you or someone else has been used in the instantaneous filling of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of prophetic utterance, it doesn’t mean that everything you or they say from there on out is prophetic. First John 4:1 not only gives you the permission, but also the responsibility, to test such things. The apostle Paul wrote concerning prophetic utterances. …examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). In other words, not everything that is called prophetic is prophetic!
As someone who has experienced this kind of filling with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of speaking out a specific word, I am very aware that it is often exhilarating to be used of God this way…and that very exhilaration leads to another caution:
Don’t get addicted to the feeling of being used by God! He uses you not to give you a rush or a high or to pad your spiritual resume; instead, He uses you to carry out a task or to impart a specific word to help someone else. That’s it; nothing more. You are still you; you still possess every single flaw and wart after delivering a prophetic word that you had before you stepped out. You are still required as a Christian to continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12b).
If you refuse to “make up a word” just to achieve the “high” of being use of God, then you will be better positioned to receive the “real McCoy” from the Lord when He sees fit—and you’ll know it when it comes! People will be helped and God’ll get the glory. Keep this in mind as you seek to be used by Him.
- Obedience to God’s Word
“…it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. But his mother answered and said, ‘No indeed; but he shall be called John’…And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, ‘His name is John.’ And they were all astonished. And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God” (Luke 1:59-60; 62-64).
Way back when the angel appeared to him while he was serving in the temple, Zacharias was told about this child. But now he had big troubles…you see, he had questioned the veracity of that angelic word and was instantly silenced. Muted. Not able to say a word…and his pie hole had been out of commission for over nine months!
But God, in His goodness, made a way for Zacharias to redeem himself and show himself faithful to the original directive from the Lord.
When people pushed Elizabeth to name the child Zacharias, she insisted he be called John in accordance with the word given to her husband. Her voice was overridden by the people, however, who turned to Zacharias for his ruling.
“And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, ‘His name is John’” (verse 63). No longer a doubter, Zacharias proved his submission to the heavenly word when he wrote on the tablet the name given in the original angelic proclamation.
As a result of Zacharias’ obedience, not only was his voice restored, but he was also filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied detailed intel from the Lord concerning his newborn and the One whose way he would prepare.
In your life, have you encountered seasons of “muteness”, silence, or nothing going on? Perhaps God is granting you a breather; but perhaps something else is going on. Maybe somewhere down the road you disobeyed Him: maybe you neglected to step out in something He told you to do; maybe you stepped out into something He told you not to do.
Ask Him to show you what’s going on—and He will. In the Old Testament, a young man once lost an axe head in the river while a group of them were clearing land. Elisha the prophet asked him where he was working when the axe head went missing; when the youth took the prophet to that spot, Elisha threw a chunk of wood into the river….and the axe head floated to the surface! (See 2 Kings 6.)
This is the “axe head principle”. The axe head represents God’s will for you. Its loss is an illustration of what happens when you deviate from God’s purpose—you end up feeling lost or out of place. So, like Zacharias, when you go back to the “spot” you last moved in the will of God, and once again you obey what He told you back then, you recapture the “axe head”, you resume your stable walk, you regain your voice, and the purpose of God will once again direct your life.
The first chapter of Luke illustrates four of the ways God leads His people. Despite how varied they are, the common thread that weaves them together is this: Our part is always to maintain a submitted heart before God. Whether the leadings He brings to you are spectacular or not, understand this: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).
Dorothy
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3; NIV
© 2017, Dorothy Frick
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