Hi all,

Long time.

Check this out –

“I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John. – Luke 7:28-30 NASB

Vs 28 – very familiar, but I don’t think I’ve ever noticed what follows.

John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. But look at what impact repentance and baptism can have in a life.

Those who see their need for baptism, come clean with their sin and publicly renounce it, turning from it, acknowledge God’s justice. They see they deserve judgment and receive His forgiveness.

But…

The Pharisees and lawyers reject John’s baptism, reject the conviction of the Spirit to turn from their sin and hold on to their image and position. In doing so, they are actually rejecting God’s purpose for their lives.

They will never know what God created them for.

They will never know the satisfaction of walking in the will of God.

They will never know the joy of bringing freedom to others, nor with they ever know real freedom themselves.

They will never hear those wonderful words, “Well done.”

And they will never enter into their rest.

You see – Jesus teaches us here that God’s purpose for a life is right on the other side of repentance.

Listen for God’s voice.

When He says turn, just do it. Don’t worry about your position, or what others will think.

Thanks for giving me a minute.

I’ll be back soon,

Ben