The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / PREPARE THE WAY

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 191 of 365 PREPARE THE WAY Malachi prophesied of a coming messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah (called "the Lord" in this passage). Matthew and Luke's Gospels identify this messenger as John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ (Mt 11:10; Mk 1:2 - 3). John's ministry did not look like what one might expect for one chosen to prepare the way for the King of the universe. John's unique lifestyle and prophetic message countered the culture of his day (Mk 1:4 - 8). Like John, those who declare the message of Jesus today will often be shunned. The "pleasing aroma of Christ" will be compelling to some and lead them to repentance and faith, but to others it will be "an aroma that brings death" and they will reject the gospel message (2Co 2:15 - 16). God's people should find confidence in knowing that God has commissioned them to proclaim his message until Jesus returns. Jesus, help me to be as bold as John the Baptist, proclaiming-with my words and actions-your message of love and grace to everyone you put in my path. Amen. Malachi 3:1 NASB 1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the L ord of hosts. Matthew 11:10 NASB 10 This is the one about whom it is written, 'B ehold , I send M y messenger ahead of Y ou , W ho will prepare Y our way before Y ou .' Mark 1:2-8 NASB 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "B ehold , I send M y messenger ahead of Y ou , W ho will prepare Y our way ; 3 T he voice of one crying in the wilderness , 'M ake ready the way of the L ord , M ake H is paths straight .'" 4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7And he was preaching, and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."