“I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
(Mark 1:8 – ESV)
John the Baptist wore weird clothing and ate bugs, but still, people flocked to the Jordan River to be baptized by him. So upon hearing that John was locked up in prison, Jesus asked the crowds near Him about John, “What did you go out to see?” As Jesus explains, they didn’t go out to see a guy wearing beautiful clothing. They went to see a prophet preaching the coming Kingdom of God.
John was preparing the people for the coming Christ. His baptism was for repentance; the baptism Jesus was bringing was of the Holy Spirit that brings faith and life.
When we repent, we acknowledge the brokenness of our lives caused by sin. This confession tears away all pretenses that we’re doing just fine. We stand before God and say to Him, “Yeah, I messed up and sinned against you and those around me. I was wrong. Please look at me as Your child and not the sinner I am. Forgive me.”
Repentance shows us that we understand our deep need to be forgiven for the wrongness we’ve caused. Even greater, when we repent, we show ourselves to need someone stronger to help us. That help and forgiveness come from God. When our heartfelt cries are heard by God, He forgives us for our sins. He never holds back His love and mercy as He showers us with His eternal grace.
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, I’ve sinned against You and all those around me. I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong and keep me this Monday so I can be a brighter example of Jesus’ light. In His name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Anthony Iovine 