Called Today

To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.  – Luke 1:77

The people of Israel had not heard a prophet of God in over 450 years, but now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberias Caesar, the word of God came to John the Baptist in the wilderness to proclaim a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3). He was to make the way for the Messiah, and it was time. 

Think of how different this was for the people. John preached in the wilderness by the Jordan at least twenty miles away from Jerusalem. He preached a specific theme with purpose: “to give knowledge of salvation… to give light to those who sit in darkness” (Luke 1:77-79). People may have come to see this man dressed in a garment of camel’s hair, the one who ate locusts and wild honey, but his message – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” – caused each one to examine his heart, and many to confess their sins and be saved (Matthew 3:2).  

Soon after the ministry of Jesus, the apostle Paul would be burdened to reach every person with the knowledge of Christ and the salvation He offers. “How then will they call on him whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). The same is true today. 

You are called “to give knowledge of salvation” to those around you. You might offer them a tract or tell them your story. Then pray for government leaders with open hearts, so they will receive the knowledge of Christ their Savior, and be saved. Be a light in today’s wilderness.