Mark 1:1-13

“As it is written in the Prophets: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight.’’” (Mark 1:2–3, NKJV)

Today we begin the Gospel of Mark. This is the shortest of the four gospels, and it is fast moving. Nevertheless, Mark provides details of certain events that are missing from the other gospels. Mark presents Jesus in His role as a servant.

Before Jesus could begin His public ministry, a messenger had to be sent. John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lamb of God. All the people of Judea came out to be baptized by Him. And yet he said that he was unworthy to unloose the sandal straps of the One who was coming after him. John baptized with water, but He would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

We must also be prepared for the Lamb of God. Our hearts become hardened from the traffic of this world. The seed of the Word cannot take root. Before there can be real revival there must first be a change in the inner man.

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy. Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12, NKJV)

What if we break up the fallow ground of our hearts by conviction, confession, and repentance? What if we sow righteousness for ourselves by doing the things we know are right? If we seek the LORD, then He will rain His Spirit on us. He will prepare us to receive the Lamb of God, not only as our Savior, but also as our closest Friend.

Imagine what would happen if everyone who calls himself a Christian so prepared his heart for the Coming King.