Luke 3:3-6

[John the Baptist said,] “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:2

When John the Baptist called out, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” no one knew he was preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah.

John had been selected to preach repentance so that when Christ came, the hearts and minds of the people would be open to the truth of God. Many who heard his message repented and turned from evil. Others considered him foolish and extreme.

Repentance and sincere devotion to Christ separate a person from the natural ways of the world. Many people need God’s forgiveness, but they resist any involvement with Him that disrupts their present lifestyle.

True repentance is a humble, quiet, life-changing experience between you and God. It involves a renewing of your mind and offers a new perspective on life—one of hope and lasting joy. Through repentance, we turn away from sin completely.

W.E. Vine defines this as “the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to that of the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life.”

Paul urged his readers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NASB). That was the same type of call John issued right before Jesus began His public ministry, and it is God’s call to you today.

Master, I answer Your call today. Adjust my moral and spiritual vision. Align my thinking with Yours. Renew my mind. Transform my life.