Prepare the Way of the Lord

God's Word came to John and traveled around the Jordan preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins - just as Isaiah had prophesied. He has hard words for those who assume their standing in Abraham: the axe is already at the root of the trees. But he has a message of hope to those who are ready to receive: the one who is more powerful than I am is coming and will baptize you with the Holy Spirit! John proclaimed good news and stern warnings. The wheat will be gathered (good news) but the chaff will be burned (stern warning). And his rebukes against those in power even landed him in prison.

What type of people will we be? One who is quick to hear and receive and repent? Or one who is quick to bristle and reject and take offense? This message of John is the message that the prophets have been preaching for centuries! And the message that Jesus will preach himself. You have broken the covenant and must repent. If you don't repent there will be judgment. But even in judgment, there is hope in a future restoration.⁠