12 Days of Christmas at Ararat 2024 Day 6: John the Baptizer was also sent from God.

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.“

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Peter, by the Holy Spirit, declared that Jesus was the Christ. Soon after this, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. On that mountain, they saw Jesus transfigured before their very eyes. As well, they heard a Voice speaking from heaven, confirming that Jesus was the beloved Son of God!

The full realization of Who Jesus truly was, led the disciples to ask a question concerning a messianic prophecy:

”And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.“

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The prophecy being questioned by the disciples, was from Malachi:

“”Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.“

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV

So, we see that Jesus confirmed that John was operating in the spirit of Elijah. John the Baptizer was not literally the person of Elijah, but operated in his anointing.

Indeed, John himself affirmed that he was the prophesied “voice crying in the wilderness.”

“Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”“

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Recently, as we celebrated the birth of Jesus, we considered the story of Mary visiting her relative, Elizabeth, who had miraculously conceived a child in her old age. Now, that child turned out to be the zealous baptizer, urging people to repent, preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus.

The Lord not only sent His beloved Son, but also sent the one who would prepare His way, just as had been prophesied. Consider, Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God. And, there is no entrance into His eternal Kingdom without repentance.

When considering the awesome part that John, the baptizer, played in preparing the way for our Lord, remember, everyone who will yield their lives to the purposes of God, will find that they too can be part of the wonderful tapestry of God’s will, ultimately leading to His coming Kingdom!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!