Luke 3: 15-18
Get Ready For The Coming Adventure!
People of all kinds were hearing John’s message of repentance and being baptized with water. They were wondering if John was the coming Messiah, but John answered them, ” I baptize you with water, but the coming Messiah, whom I am not worthy to even untie his sandals, he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah. He was also preparing the way for us by preaching a baptism of repentance with water, which symbolized a cleansing from sin. The next step for the people was to turn to Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, but also be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. This baptism signifies a spiritual transformation and empowerment for the believers, as well as a judgment for those who reject God. The Holy Spirit is the empowerment for forgiveness of sins and spiritual transformation! The fire is symbolic for both purification and judgment. For example, we see in Psalms 12:6 that silver and gold are purified through fire. But we also see where fire represents, in Scripture, a judgment to those who reject the Lord Jesus.
To me, this is a great passage of hope. It was told that Jesus would come and baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. Well guess what? Jesus has come. Jesus has died for the forgiveness of sins. He has risen from the dead in order to give us a new life in him. Those who receive him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, will experience the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and be transformed more and more into the image of Jesus. We also will go through fire to burn off that which is a hindrance between us and God. When we are going through difficult times and challenges, these are the opportunities to be made holy before God, thus burning off the junk in our lives. Be excited for God’s purification and fire for He is equipping us for a Ministry that will impact lives for the kingdom.
To the unbelievers: you’re missing out on that which will give you life, value, purpose, and eternal life. Submit and surrender to the Lord today or face God’s coming wrath and judgment with fire. Don’t be stubborn or arrogant in your ways. Don’t deny the power of God. Quit trying to be in control. Give your life to Jesus and get ready for an ADVENTURE.
