Today's Passage - Luke 7:24-30

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Luke 7:24-30   "After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: 'What did you go out into the desert to see?  A reed swayed by the wind?  If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes?  No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.  But what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom it is written: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you."  I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.'"   Jesus did not reduce the importance of John the Baptist just because John had doubt, for John was indeed the forerunner sent by God to prepare way for the Lord.  Therefore, when John preached in the wilderness, the crowd was touched by his message.  John played a very important role, for he prepared the way for Jesus Christ to be born.  Today, although we no longer need to prepare the way for the birth of Jesus, we still need to prepare the way for the Lord's second coming.  From this perspective, our role is no different from the role of John the Baptist.  Do you know that in your daily life you need to prepare the way for the Lord?  In your relationship with the Lord, do you need to learn how to become more intimate with Him?   The Bible says that Jesus is the groom and we are the bride, and the bride should be waiting for the groom to come and receive us.  In the meantime, we need to be intimate to the Lord with our eager heart, so that we won't be caught unprepared when the Lord returns.  In our daily life, are we still good witnesses for the Lord?  Are we bringing glory to God through our good behavior and testimonies?  Some have said that there are actually five books of Gospel, because the fifth one is you and me.  People will get to know Jesus through us, and they will turn to God through us.  Brothers and sisters, are you good witnesses in your life?  In your ministry, are you ready to welcome the return of the Lord?   Before the Lord returns, there will be great revival on earth.  We need to collaborate with the Lord, and partner with God in prayer.  Are you praying daily for the expansion of God's kingdom, the church and the needs in the unreached land?  Let us raise our holy hands to work with God, to speed up God's return through prayer.  Lord is seeking those who are preparing the way for Him, and may God help us to be the ones who are preparing the way for the Lord in the end time.                Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, I thank you because you are a faithful God, and you shall return.  May God help us to prepare our hearts everyday in our life and to wait upon you.  I ask that you place such hope and faith in our hearts, and let us bear witness for you.  Let us also pray with you in our ministry and wait upon you in our intimate time with you, until your return.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!