...during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
Expectations can be tough. Expectations at work, at home, in school, on the swim team and on the basketball court. Expectations as children, a spouse, friend, colleague, sibling, and employer. Sometimes expectations are very clear. Other times expectations are fluid and ambiguous. Still other times expectations change and for good reason. The prophet Isaiah spoke the words of expectation for the life of Jesus’ cousin, John. While you may not have words written quite like this about your own life, God does have a purpose for each one of us to live out. One of those clear expectations is that we would repent of our sin and receive the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. So take a few minutes, and ask God to reveal anything you need to repent of. Offer that repentance and receive God’s forgiveness. Now sit with God in that forgiveness and thank God for it.