Devotion for Monday, February 19, 2024

“At that time Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins” (Matthew 3:5-6).

It was a day’s journey to the Jordan river from Jerusalem.  The city was stirred up, for in a few years, shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Rome would destroy Israel and scatter her people.  People were curious as to who this baptizer was.  The faithful were confessing and he was baptizing with a baptism of repentance.  Many others were watching too.  Things have not changed.

The faithful act in faith and the watchers gather around.  Some of the gathered are puzzled, but others scoff and jeer.  We live in an age when the goats and the sheep, the wheat and the chaff are mingled together.  That aside, you have been called as one who is faithful to live a life that is quick to confess and repent.  Would you have been one of those who went a day’s journey to confess and be immersed in repentance?

Come Holy Spirit and baptize my heart with the living water so that I may be quick to confess, slow to scoff, and always willing to hear as You speak.  Guide me in the Gospel way despite my circumstances and grant me boldness of speech.  Lead me today to grow through all that comes my way to become more like Christ, my Savior.  Be the light that illuminates my path as I walk the narrow way.  Amen.