Today’s Reading: Matthew 3:1-12

And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. – Matthew 3:6

John the Baptist was called by God to prepare the way for the Lord by preaching a strong message of repentance. He baptized men and women who confessed their sins and repented of their ways. The purpose of baptism wasn’t just to experience a spiritual moment of cleansing, it was to proclaim that the individual was dying to their old way of life and ready to turn to God in submission.

I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am — so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. – Matthew 3:11

John the Baptist preached a message of repentance, calling people to make changes in their lives. He was preparing the way for Jesus, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit’s involvement, life changes do not have to be manufactured by our own human effort. The Spirit comes in and begins to change the desires of our heart. This change in our heart creates a change in our behavior and others begin to notice.

THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART SO THAT OUR DESIRES BEGIN TO ALIGN WITH THE HEART OF GOD.

Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. – Luke 3:3

The physical act of baptism is a symbol of the spiritual transformation that takes place when we repent and seek forgiveness. There is nothing about the water that changes us, but baptism is a symbolic way of testifying to the change that has taken place. It is meant to be a genuine reflection of our transforming behavior and Christlike attitudes.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. – Matthew 3:7-9

PROVE BY THE WAY YOU LIVE THAT YOU HAVE REPENTED OF YOUR SINS AND TURNED TO GOD.

Authentic life transformation should be naturally evidenced by the fruit produced in our lives. Not only are we a different person than we used to be, others around us begin to be impacted by the new way we are living. Because of the work of the Holy Spirit, we become useful for building the Kingdom of God. We daily respond to what the Lord is calling us to do, just as John the Baptist obediently lived out the calling placed on his life before he was even born.

Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. – Matthew 3:10

The people responded to the message of John the Baptist with hearts willing to change. First came repentance, then transformation. John’s message was preparing the way for the coming Messiah. Those who accepted John’s message would have hearts receptive to the teachings of Jesus.

So how should we respond to this message of repentance? What is God calling us to do? Baptism is a great next step, but our actions must also testify to the transformation taking place in our lives. We can show by our behavior that our hearts are open to whatever God has for us — however He wants to use us. John the Baptist responded by describing the physical actions that would reflect an authentic heart transformation (Luke 3:10-14):

• If you have more than you need, give your excess to the poor.
• If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.
• Stop taking more than you need.
• Be content with what you have instead of craving more.

MAY GENEROSITY BE THE FRUIT OF OUR HEART TRANSFORMATION.

Lord, I thank you for the changes your Spirit has made in my life. I praise you for the impact my salvation decision made on who I am. I will never regret my decision to repent of my sins and turn fully towards you. I am rejoicing this morning because you have transformed my heart, and I give you the glory for the fruit that is a natural result of my growing relationship with you. Lord, I give you this day and invite you to continue to make changes in my heart so that it becomes an authentic reflection of your heart. I love you, Lord. Amen.