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Daily Devotions

Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 16

Day 16

Text: Mark 1

"An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:4

MINISTRY OF PREPARATION

In both prophecies (Isaiah and Malachi), a major word employed was the word “preparation.”


“Who will prepare Your way before You.”

MARK 1:2

 

“Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.”

MARK 1:3

How should we understand this special “ministry of preparation”?

1. A suggestion that there is a state of un-readiness to receive the Messiah.

2. A further suggestion that there is a serious state of sin that must be dealt with.

HINTS OF THE GREATNESS OF THE MESSIAH

The ministry of the forerunner, as the special messenger of the Lord, hints at the greatness of the Messiah.

1. This greatness is recognized by none other than God Himself

The Person who sent forth the forerunner is none other than the Lord Himself. It is He who acknowledged and recognized the need to prepare the way of the Messiah.

2. This greatness is underscored by the prophetic utterances of the prophets Isaiah and Malachi

ENTERING INTO THE MINISTRY OF PREPARATION

John, the son of Zacharias recognized and accepted his ministry as the forerunner. When he was ready for public ministry, he entered into it with great zeal and earnestness.

“John came baptizing in the wilderness
and preaching a baptism of repentance for
the remission of sins.”

MARK 1:4

1. The Preaching ministry of John

The ministry of preaching is a time honoured way of ministering for the Lord.

a) To preach is to herald or proclaim a message.
b) John had a difficult message to proclaim.

2. The Baptizing ministry of John

The focus and emphasis of this baptismal was “remission of sins” for those who sincerely repent from their sins.