By the Preaching of Repentance, We are Prepared for the Coming of the Lord
“John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea ‘Repent'” (Matthew #:1-2). His preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins prepared people for the coming of Christ into the world. Saint John’s work was historically complete with the incarnate Advent of Jesus; but his vital ministry continues in preaching Law and Gospel. The Son of God has come in the flesh, “a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots” (Isaiah 11:1), and continues to bear the fruits of righteousness. His good tree of the cross is “a signal for the peoples” (Isaiah 11:10), by which He calls the nations to repentance. “With the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips” (Isaiah 11:4), He slays the wicked and brings the dead to life, making sons of Abraham out of lifeless stones. So also the “root of Jesse” comes to us, “even he who rises to rule the Gentiles” (Romans 15:12), that “we have hope” and be filled “with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15L4, 13).
Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 14:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12
English Standard Version (ESV)
