In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, “Change your hearts and lives!  Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”  (Mt. 3.1-2 CEB).

In the living out your days have you ever come into the presence of good old John the Baptist?  My guess is, properly not.  At least not the original John because he came to earth years ago, long before even the oldest of us who are alive and active today.  Now I’m sure, if you are still reading my thoughts in this meditation, you realize, as I do, that the message John proclaimed is perhaps even more revealing today, or at least as important.

Still, at the same time you and I may have had the gloriest opportunity to have come into the presence of someone who may just be John reincarnated! I say this because the message John shouted out in his day is one that is just as vital and important for our day.  There are people who may not shout it out, but live it.

Just recently, I officiated the funeral of a good friend.  Ann was a star, a light that shined brightly for all to see the glory of the Savior, Jesus the Christ. Every one who knew her saw Christ not as much as what she said, but in the way she lived.  Ann was a good friend and the way she lived showed how much the Love of God lived within her.  She was one who heard the message of John the Baptist, “Change your hearts and lives” and to her credit she did her very best to live the message by sharing it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we praise You for sending not only Jesus Your Son, but also people like John the Baptist to proclaim how we can live in Your loving Spirit every day and as Ann your child was able to be an example for everyone.  In Christ we pray.  Amen