S – John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷ His winnowing shovel is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with fire that never goes out.” ¹⁸ Then, along with many other exhortations, he proclaimed good news to the people

 Luke 3:16–18 CSB

 O – John is assuring people that he is not the promised Messiah.  Only slaves unstrapped the sandals of their master and John is saying he is not even that worthy.  He distinguishes his role even more with the baptisms.  John distinguishes the Savior’s baptism as one of God’s Spirit, as spoken about in the OT.  He shares there is a separation coming for those who believe and don’t believe.  This is important because Jewish people believed they were God’s chosen people.  The message of repentance and relationship would be challenging.  Finally, John shared “good news” before Jesus did. All of this was truly preparation for Jesus’ message and ministry.

A – God is detailed enough to send a “forerunner” for the Messiah.  What is He doing today in my life to prepare me for my next step of growth or action?  Instead of shying away from the process, I need to trust the things He is doing in my life as preparation for things to come.

R – Lord, help me to do this.