Mark 1:6-8
Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Mark's gospel tells us John baptized in the Jordan River for the remission of sins. While John certainly knew the dirty water of the Jordan couldn't wash away the stain of one's sin, he knew the first step of remission comes when we're willing to confess our unworthiness and need of cleansing before God.
Remission is often used to describe the turning point of victory over some devastating disease like cancer. While remission is not the complete victory, without it, victory cannot come.
John wanted those within the voice of his preaching to understand that turning away from sin through repentance was only the beginning point of their victory. Full remission from sins comes only after a touch of the Spirit. Hence, John promised the coming of the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Too often, people stop short of coming to the Spirit's touch for full remission of sin. Maybe they begin to move towards victory, feeling sorry for their sins, or ruing how their life was beginning to turn out, but instead of completely turning from sin and to Christ, they stop short of total surrender. For these people, their remission is not fully realized, not matter how sincere they may appear through water baptism. Victory is not theirs, and the stain of their sin filled life remains.
Sometimes, remission from some disease is thwarted when the patient refuses to follow their doctor's orders. Maybe its just not convenient for them to make that lifestyle change the doctor called for or they don't want to suffer unpleasant side effects. Whatever it is, a complete recovery is not coming for these people. Remission will not run its course. Victory is not theirs.
It is just the same with our spiritual need. For complete remission of sin, you need to follow the doctor's orders. Turn to the One coming after John, the One who gives the touch of the Spirit.
LORD JESUS
I pray now for those who understand they need remission from sin, but who have not fully submitted their care to you. May your Spirit reach into the depths of their souls and draw them to a saving faith in You. Amen.
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