Publically Marked

Matthew 3:11-12

This is John the Baptist's prophecy about Jesus. He says that while he baptized with water for repentance, the one coming after him is more powerful, (he's not even worthy to carry His sandals), and that the One coming will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

This person will also harvest and winnow out those people that are not truly His, and burn up the chaff with an unquenchable fire.

In this context of baptism, I think we could say that John knew he was publically marking individuals who were repentant and ready for God's next move. However, the One to come after him would mark all those that were ready with the Holy Spirit of God, and with a life and passion like a fire.

This One to come would have the power to sort out His results and would winnow out those that were not true wheat (harvest), and dispose of that chaff with an eternal or everlasting burning.

Is this a view of Jesus that I know personally? And have I been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and a passionate life that is truly holy and alive? How will I do in the harvest?

Yes, I believe I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and a new dimension of abundant life has been added to me. I do confess though, that sometimes I have not lived life as abundantly as it is available to me.

I believe I will survive the winnowing in the great harvest time of the Lord. I am definitely wheat and not chaff, and I hope my works will prove worthy to escape or withstand the fire too.

P.S. I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear, falling on my ear.... Ruthe's Secret Roses illustrates that dear song!