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Matthew 3:1-6

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

For me, it happens late at night. Sleep won’t come, and my mind bounces from one thought to the next. Things I have to get done, things I’ve been putting off, a tough meeting, a phone call I need to make, an e-mail I should never have sent. Late at night, with my head on the pillow, I wonder and reflect—did this day…a day I will never get back…a day is gone forever…did this day count for God?

I am a big fan of John the Baptist because he made his days count. He lived life plain and simple–camel hair clothes and a leather belt to wear; roasted locusts (surely he didn’t eat them raw) and wild honey to eat. But what impresses me most is that John the Baptist was a man who knew his purpose. He was on earth to prepare the world for Jesus, and he never wavered. He lived his life fixed and focused. Isn’t that the kind of life you want to live?

Why do we make things so complex? Why does the way get so confusing? Why do many people live wondering if they are even close to where God wants them to be? Well, here’s a place you can start. Like John, prepare the people around you for Jesus. Show people how he lived. Tell people what he said. Explain to people why he died. Remind people that he has risen even when it’s not Easter! You don’t have to be the person Isaiah prophesied about. You just have to be the person the Messiah died for. Then sleep will come…even if you are wearing itchy camel hair pajamas.

Father, remind me often to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Remind me to pick up the pace and follow hard after him. Remind me to slow down and regain my focus. Help me to be a preparer of the way. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

Finishing Well