READ: MATTHEW 3: 1-3
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness.” (v. 3)
One thing was certain in police work, when you pulled the evening or midnight shift on Ney Years Eve, your duty time was going to fly by. It was not uncommon for the calls for service to quickly outpace the number of available officers well before the stroke of midnight. Many times, you realized you were the “lone wolf” prowling in the New Years Eve wilderness trying to maintain a semblance of order in a wild atmosphere.
New Year’s Even found outwardly appearing sensible people doing some very stupid things. Normally well-behaved people suddenly felt the necessity to become the life of an alcohol or other substance fueled party. This produced an overabundance of DUI’S; family fights; serious and lesser personal assaults; sexual assaults; and out of control celebrations that endangered and shattered the tranquility of many neighborhoods. Yes, New Years Eve and the mantra of “anything goes” was marked by a significant reduction in human self-discipline, common sense, ethical and biblical behavior.
During the months that follow this one night of unhindered revelry, as the judicial system worked through a myriad of arrests, it became clear that many people shared a common bond—being lost in a life draining wilderness. They were lost in the wilderness of addiction; economic difficulty; physical and mental illness; and spiritual isolation—they were simply alone! Putting it perspective, no one is truly exempt from being caught up in one or more wilderness regions of life. New Year’s Eve simply offers a one-night reprieve to escape from the fears, troubles and realities of living.
God never intended for his children to live in desolate places of isolation and helplessness. His plan for us is salvation and eternal life. That is why He loving gave His Son, as a sacrifice, to lead us out of the wilderness. But for some strange reason, we doubt God’s promises and Jesus’ sacrifice taking our lives in a completely opposite direction. We walk deeper into the wilderness of sin, doubt and despair. John the Baptist, urged the people of Israel to stop rebelling against God, confess their sins, and repent. This would release them to live out God’s plan for their lives. No matter how deep you are in the forest of life, Jesus is right there with you extending his hand to lead you safely out. The cool thing is that this offer to get out of this “wilderness jail” is not a one-time thing. Confess, repent and accept the help of Christ!
PUASE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Lent is a good time to let Jesus transform you from a one-night stander to an active vibrant lifetime Christian.
Jesus, life is often overwhelming, help me hold tight to your hand that I may keep on your pathway for my life.