September 24, 2012

• The Revelation of Jesus the Baptist… 

  I was listening to the message “The Baptism of Fire” by Allen Hood recently and one of his points really hit home to me.  He shared how Jesus spoke of John the Baptist as the greatest of those born of women and how John the Baptist was indeed his forerunner.  No one ever thinks of John the Baptist as simply “John” or “John the Prophet.”  He was labeled “John the Baptist” because he started the ministry of baptism of repentace of sins with the Jews, something that would continue into Christian belief.  John’s sole purpose in life was to prepare the people for Jesus.  His purpose wasn’t to save souls or to spread revival or to evangelize to the nations… it was solely to prepare the way of the Lord and ready the people for their Messiah.  Ironically, while we call him John the Baptist more people actually ended up going to Jesus to be baptized than to John once Jesus started his ministry.  Jesus refused to baptize the people though and instead had his disciples do the baptizing of water for repentance.  This was extremely prophetic to the church.  His baptism was to come later.

  John the Baptist spoke of Jesus in the same way in all four Gospel accounts, describing Jesus as one would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  If he had given Jesus a title it would have been, ”Jesus the Baptist.”  John was Jesus’ forerunner and demonstrated baptism, but he was clear in speaking to the people that Jesus’ ministry would be far greater.  John’s baptism was of water for the repentance of sins… Jesus’ baptism would be of fire and the Holy Spirit.

  Sadly, “Jesus the Baptist” has been lost in the church.  We all know Him as “Jesus the Shepherd,” “Jesus the Savior, “Jesus Our Friend,” and “Jesus the King of Kings.”  But Jesus’ own forerunner chose to reveal Jesus as a baptizer.  Repentance of sins and water baptism are great, but Jesus had come for so much more.  He had come to baptize us with His fire and His Spirit.  We are meant for so much more than just forgiveness, we are meant for an intimate FIERY relationship with our God!!! 

  So many people try to fight their sin and struggles through earthly means and methodologies.  But what we need more than anything is to be baptized by God’s Spirit and His fire.  It’s not by might nor strength nor by power but by the Spirit of God!  Rather than fighting sin in our flesh, when we are filled with God’s fire our desire and zeal for Him grow far greater than the temptations and distractions of this world.  When we are filled with God’s fire we can’t help but share Him with others… fire spreads!

  Throughout Scripture whenever Jesus revealed Himself in His true being, He was always described as being on fire.  His love and His zeal for us is far greater than anything.  His desire is that we make this our prayer to Him…

  Song of Songs 8:6-7 – Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm, for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding in the grave.  It burns like blazing FIRE, like a mighty flame.  Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.  If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

  Baptize us with Your Spirit and Your fire, Jesus!  Only You can baptize us in this way, and we want Your fiery love to consume our hearts!!!

  • 11:06 am
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