Devo: Mark 1:1-8

“Prepare the way of the LORD…” V. 3

John the Baptist preached repentance to prepare our hearts for Jesus. Real preparation is not merely outward. Real preparation should be in our heart.

“There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.” V. 7

John pointed people to Jesus and not to himself. He gave the glory to the One who deserves it. John was bold in his preaching that many people came to him and were baptized.

“Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” V. 5

What a blessing it is to see people repenting from their sins and professing their faith in Jesus!

“I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” V. 8

Anyone can be baptized in water. It doesn’t mean that people have truly repented and accepted Jesus in their heart when they receive water baptism. True repentance is something that Jesus sees. We are not saved by water baptism. It is only a public declaration of our faith in Jesus. What we should desire the most is the baptism of the Holy Spirit which only Jesus can do.

Let our prayer be, “Baptize me with the Holy Spirit, Jesus.”