Exhortations are to exhort: To urge or incite by strong argument, advice, or appeal; admonish earnestly.

  John the Baptist did not “pull his punches”, soft-pedal his words; he faithfully warned people that their ungodly actions and choices would result in God’s coming wrath.

John’s message cut to the core of people’s need…they needed to repent of their sins and be forgiven by God.  (See Luke 3:3)

(NASB) Luke 3:18 “So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people.”

Many who came to him to be baptized asked “What shall we do?”

How do you respond to God’s words of truth?

What circumstances are bringing you to the need of God and His forgiveness instead of His coming wrath against your sins?

John told the crowds of Messiah and that He would separate believers from the unbelieving.  That Messiah will judge and consign them to unquenchable fire which is forever…and ever…and ever!

John did not “cushion” or “make nice”.  He told God’s truth.  Many responded to John’s preaching in a positive way.  Others did not.  King Herod and his wife Herodias were angered by John’s plain speaking.  (Tomorrow’s devotional will focus on that part of John’s history.)

When you read God’s word, does it anger you?  Or do you respond with “Lord God, what shall I do?”