Be remembered in history for the right reasons

Are you intending to be a part of history? Do something really silly and foolish. Or, do something that would leave behind a legacy. Obama, a previous President of the United States, is said to have tried to do everything possible to protect the legacy he created from his 8 years in the Oval office. For many, he will be remembered as putting in place the greatest number of liberal policies the United States has ever known. What were his motivations? We don't know. But we know why John the Baptist did what he did.

Luke 3:2-6

While Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

This chapter starts with an elaborate listing of all those in authority at the time. John was going to impact all the way to the highest authority of his region. Both secular and religious. He did it to turn people back to God. He did it because of the calling of God on his life before he was even conceived. He did it with the risk of being persecuted and killed, which eventually happened in Herod's hands. Short life but he prepared the ground for Jesus' ministry as was foretold in the Old Testament.

The chapter ends with Jesus' genealogy. Again, detailed for us to be understand that what was happening was truly a fulfillment of God's promise given in prophecies through the ages. Jesus is remembered not just as one who died on the cross for our sins but also as one that rose from the dead.

What do you want to be remembered for? Do at least the one right thing. Receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart. I did that at age 14 and billions of others have also done it. God has a plan for your life. Don't waste it.

Father, let me fulfill your plan for my life, even if it means dire situations for me.

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