John the Baptist was a risk-taker. He was sent to confront sin and baptize for repentance and point people to Jesus, the Lamb of God. He realized that whoever sought to save his life would lose it, but the one willing to lose his life would save it for eternity. John's willingness to confront sin cost him his life, and it might cost some of us our lives too.

But Jesus called us to be risk-takers in bringing the good news of Jesus. In isolation, the good news only makes sense to those who have realized the bad news of their own sin and resulting separation from God and their inability to do right and be reconciled to God in their own strength. Before our audience sees the Lamb of God, they need to see their sin and God's holiness. This is why most of John's ministry was preaching about sin and baptizing for repentance. Only then, when this foundation was laid could John plant the seed by pointing to Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

The evangelistic work of preparing hearts by plowing is risky. John took the risk because he was not willing to let religious people believe they were right with God without repentance and turning to Jesus. Are you willing to take the risk also? Or will you put your hand on the plow and look back once you realize the risks?

Querido Padre Celestial,

I confess that I am often uncomfortable taking risks and talking about the problem of sin and people's separation from God. I don't want to get specific about sin, as John did, in calling people to specific kinds of repentance. Yet, I feel the Holy Spirit prompting me. But I am tempted to shrink back. Lord God, thank You for Your promise to provide a more complete filling of Your Holy Spirit for those who ask. So, fill me, I pray, and enable Your servant to speak Your word with great boldness, calling people to repentance and trust in Jesus. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.  

Does someone come to mind whose specific sin is weighing heavy on your heart? In addition to praying for them to repent, you may need to speak up, especially if others are pretending there is no problem or are afraid or embarrassed. Pray and ask God how to do it, then follow through. Your role is to be faithful, not to control the outcome. Be faithful, and be at peace.