MARK 1:7-8

And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”

TO PONDER

There is a message that challenges us.  Do we admit that we are dirty and in need of cleansing?  But scrubbing can be uncomfortable and even painful.  People need to be ready for spiritual cleansing. The message of baptism symbolizes a spiritual cleansing, and not everyone thought they needed it. John the Baptist promised that Jesus would come with a baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. A life committed to Jesus Christ is a life submitted to the cleansing and refining work of the Spirit of God.  The process is frightening; it requires loss. But what is found is worth much more than what is lost—new life, freedom, courage, joy, peace, love, and much more.  Are you willing to submit to God’s gracious cleansing?

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, cleanse us with your Spirit. Take away our sin and shame and fill us with beauty and integrity. Help us submit to you. In your name, Amen.

Today's devotion written by Francis Leung, LifeWay Epping