What Jesus did? - for January 18

Preparing the Way - Matthew 3:3-4

John the Baptizer is the one that Isaiah the prophet was talking about. Isaiah said: "There is a person shouting in the desert: 'Prepare the way for the Lord. Make his paths straight.'" John's clothes were made from camel's hair. John had a leather belt around his waist. For food, John ate locusts and wild honey. (ERV)

Key Thought
Preparation is hard work. To be the one who prepares the way for someone else’s travel, but doesn't get to go down that road, well, that is even tougher. To live all your life so someone else can find the spotlight is toughest of all. But to lose your life in this cause, goes beyond words. John spent his life for one purpose: to prepare people to know Jesus as God's Son, the Christ. Can our purpose in life be any less? What would happen if we decided to begin each day with the commitment that we would live, talk, act, and care for people with the express purpose that their hearts become prepared to acknowledge Jesus as Lord? So let's find out, beginning today!

Today's Prayer
Loving and patient Father, I'm a little slow sometimes to catch on to what you want me to do. But, I know you want me to live my life with the same purpose John lived his: to help prepare people to know Jesus as Lord. Give me eyes to see those searching for Jesus and a life that beckons them to follow him. In Jesus’ name. Amen.