Originally posted: 09/12/2019
The sense of anticipation hangs in the air as John burst upon the scene. John comes with a message of hope amidst the reality of the base condition of man… but One is coming…
One is Coming; but first the forerunner readies His way. John is not concerned with public approval. He is not seeking popularity. He is only concerned with One, the One Who is Coming and what His Coming will accomplish for a world lost in the darkness, misery and the pain of sin.
Consider the One Who is Coming
- He is the One Who is Coming when the way has been made ready.
- …the word of God came to John… 3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
‘Make ready the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight,’” (3:2-4).
- …the word of God came to John… 3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
- He is the One Who is Coming to those anticipating His arrival.
- Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts… (3:15).
- Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts… (3:15).
- He is the One Who is Coming in His might.
- John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I…” (3:16).
- He is the One Who is Coming to baptize with His Holy Spirit and fire.
- “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire,” (3:16).
- “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire,” (3:16).
- He is the One Who is Coming to set apart His own.
- “His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire,” (3:17).
- “His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire,” (3:17).
How do we respond to the One Who is Coming?
May we live as John, not concerned with public approval or popularity, but only with One, the One Who is Coming.
Today, as we consider Him, the One Who is Coming again, let us examine our lives by the truth of His Word. Are we living in that state of expectation for the One Who is Coming?
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen, (Revelation 1:7).
- Are we daily making the way ready for the One Who is Coming? Let us be quick to confess our sin so as to enjoy His fellowship as we wait.
- If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, (1 John 1:6-9).
- Do we so desire His Coming, anticipating His arrival as we seek Him and search for Him with all we are?
- You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart,(Jeremiah 29:13).
- Are we willing to humble ourselves, trusting His might and purpose for us as we look for the day of His Coming?
- Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, (1 Peter 5:6).
- Do we trust Him in the furnace of affliction and suffering, believing His Holy Spirit is purifying our faith in the fiery trials and preparing us for the day of His Coming?
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:3-7).
- Are we proclaiming the One Who is Coming to others by living set apart as His own?
- But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9).
Through His gift of salvation and His Holy Spirit we are able to know the One Who is Coming today and every day; but it is only in part…
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known, (1 Corinthians 13:12).
There is coming a day when He will return for His bride and we will experience His Coming fully. May we live in a continuous state of expectation, eagerly awaiting the One Who is Coming and ready for His return, that we will not be ashamed.
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone… 42 Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming,” (Matthew 24:36,42).
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; (Philippians 3:20).
Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming, (1 John 2:28).