17^th November 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah
Theme: IT IS HIM

Theme Scripture: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." — Matthew 3:11

PREPARATORY QUESTION:

1. Do you see Christ at the center of all that you do and accomplish?

John the Baptist burst upon the Jewish scene like a flaming fire. Fierce and strong was his message to the people. An unusual man, wearing a raiment of camel's hair and a leather belt, and his food was locusts and honey (Matt. 3:4). He was preaching repentance from sin, a timely message. From Jerusalem, Judea, and the surrounding communities of Jordan, many came to him with a heart of repentance to be baptized (Matt. 3:5-6).

 

The Jews, seeing the impact of John's ministry, sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him one simple question: "Who are you?" (John 1:19). They wanted to know whether John was the Christ, Elijah, or the prophet to come, which Moses in the law spoke about. John was not interested in exalting himself above measure. He knew who he was. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord" (John 1:23). He was the forerunner (John 3:28) to the Christ (the one who is truly the Savior of the world), the friend of the bridegroom (John 3:29).

 

John was also quick not to take the glory that was not his, and he quickly reminded the Pharisees that while he was baptizing with water, there was a coming One who was mightier. He will baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

 

"I indeed... but it is He who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire." O, that someone would recognize today that, "I indeed travel... but it is He who grants me safety." O, that someone would awake to this truth: "I indeed slept... but it is He who watched over me such that I woke up and I was sustained." O preacher, that you would learn to say, "I indeed preach... but it is He who convicts and inscribes the word in men's hearts." Mr. Businessman, O, that it might dawn on you today that, "I indeed work hard... but it is He who favors my course and leads me to greener pastures." O, child of God, that you too would come to the light of this truth and affirm, "I indeed live, even though I was once dead. Yet not I, but it is He [Christ] who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). O, reader of today's devotional, you also could exclaim David's confession:
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name we give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake" (Psalm 115:1).

 

John was too wise not to take Jesus' place or take the Father's glory. It is Him who must increase, and we must decrease.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Galatians 2:20

 

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How easily are you able to recognize the grace of God at work in all that you do?

 

PRAYER:
Precious Father, I acknowledge Your grace at work in my life day by day. It is not me, but You who have brought me this far. It will be You alone who will bring me to my greater and superior place. Thank You, Lord, for who You are, in Jesus' name. Hallelujah.

 

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 4,  Hosea 14, 1 Thessalonians 3, 1 Thessalonians 4