Eternal View
Posted by Karah
Pause
Take a deep breath. Pray and ask God to help you focus on what He desires for you to learn today.
Today’s passage describes the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry. His words constantly pointed to the One who would come after him—Jesus. John humbly acknowledged the surpassing greatness of Jesus’ work and ministry.
“His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out.”
—Matthew 3:12
Read Matthew 3:1-12 in your Bible. Think through these questions:
-In your journal, list four messages that John the Baptist proclaimed.
-What did John’s messages encourage people to do? Explain.
John the Baptist warned of Christ’s judgment and gave an illustration of grain and chaff being separated.
-Read verse 12. Underneath the headings below, record what will happen to the chaff and grain.
Chaff Grain
This illustration indicates that no one will escape God’s judgment, and He will make no mistakes sorting the believers from the unbelievers.
How does this passage help you realize the urgency and importance of sharing Jesus with others?
Respond
Have you trusted in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Journal your response. If you want to place your faith in Christ now, talk to your parents, your camp counselor, or someone at your church.
For further study on John the Baptist’s ministry refer to Isaiah 40:3-6.
Behind the Story
The winnowing shovel is a tool that farmers used in Jesus’ day to separate wheat from chaff when harvest time arrived. The chaff, hollow shells that covered grain, would blow away into the wind while the grain would fall to the ground so the farmer could gather it for harvest.
The Point
Jesus is the judge. He will preserve those who trust Him, but those who do not will face eternal punishment.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions