“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Luke 3:16 (NIV)
As we are approaching the end of our Jesse Tree devotions we find ourselves in the New Testament. John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin. He paved the way for the Lord. He spent his life telling the people to get prepared, as the Lord, their Saviour, was coming. He urged them to change their ways. The preparation for that salvation involves repentance, a heart open and turned to the living God. Forgiveness of sins paves the way for a life lived in honor of God with eyes looking for the One to come. If they did repent then John baptized people with water. Our symbol today is of a scallop shell, which was a traditional symbol of baptism in addition to pilgrimages and spreading the word of the Gospel.
Today think about what you may need forgiveness for. Read more about John the Baptist in Luke 1:57-80, 3:1-20; 7:18-30.
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