Loneliness is a form of homesickness, of being far from home whether that distance is physical, relational, or emotional. There is hope for homesick people. An ancient hermit came out of hiding to announce that hope to the world. His name is John the Baptist.
John’s message was to tell people to get out of God’s way and make room for Him to work in and through you. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” (Matthew 3:3) Later Jesus Christ confirmed John’s message when He told His followers, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
John the Baptist also said to, “Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8) Jesus confirmed that by saying, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.” (Luke 6:43-44)
Then John told how we humans can produce good fruit. He said that Jesus will, “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Matthew 3:11) This Spirit baptism isn’t just a dip into religion. It’s never-ending saturation that always produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as long as people don’t quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Jesus put it this way: “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4)
King David wrote: “Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— He is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:9-10 Here’s the challenge of Christianity: Stay ever saturated with Christ and allow Him to continually abide, rule, and reign within you as your Lord and God (John 20:28) and “hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Welcome home!
Free Gas for Your Think Tank -- Fill Your Mind and Your Heart With Hope 