The One with Great Power Will Come
(Mark 1:6-8)
John the Baptist was born as the son of the priest Zechariah. If he had sought to stay in a stable and secure position, he could have inherited his father’s priest role, gaining the respect of the people and living a noble life. However, he chose to abandon his family, social status, and honor, putting everything aside to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. When we consider this example, how should we, as Christians, prepare ourselves to welcome the Lord in the future?
1. Life in the desert
People naturally desire comfort, favorable positions, and power. However, John the Baptist took a different path, entering the solitary and harsh wilderness. There, he prayed to God and prepared to meet Jesus by baptizing people (Mark 1:4-5). Despite the loneliness and challenges of the desert, it becomes a spiritually blessed place where one can meet God and catch the Lord’s will. Jesus Himself fasted and prayed in the wilderness. In our lives, there are times when we should walk through the wilderness, humbling ourselves before God. In those moments in the wilderness, God meets us, comforts us, and renews our strength.
2. The one with great power
John the Baptist proclaimed about the arrival of Jesus, saying, “After me will come one more powerful than I” (Mark 1:7). Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who came to us is the mighty savior who heals the sick, raises the dead, and performs miracles. We must remember that, during His presence on Earth, Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit, carried out His mission with remarkable power. By trusting in the Lord, we can also live a victorious life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. The one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit
In the desert, John the Baptist baptized with water and declared that the coming Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8). Water baptism signifies repentance and the transformation into a new person in Christ. However, to serve as an influential witness of the gospel, we must receive baptism by the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the crucial key to a victorious life of faith and the ability to overcome all challenges. May we all receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, living as witnesses who bring joy to God and eagerly anticipating the return of Jesus.
Welcome!
Please note that we have an International Briefing Session for all first-time visitors.
To join, kindly follow our ushers at the end of service. Thank you!