God's messenger was John. He was called The Baptist, or The Baptizer, because he baptized folks who came to him wanting to change their lives to align with the will of God. John's mission was to prepare people for the coming of the promised Christ. The purposes of this baptism were to demonstrate people's turning from sin to God and to receive the forgiveness of God. What can we learn from John's mission for our lives today? First, God uses human messengers to reach the hearts of those seeking to find him. Someone is out there seeking for God and God can use you or me to be that messenger! Second, seeking God involves two things: we turn to God and turn away from our sins. Third, everyone needs the forgiveness of God; none of us is righteous and holy on our efforts. In other words, we need God's gracious forgiveness. So I guess that each of us can choose the message that he or she needs to hear most clearly today. Have I come to God to receive his forgiveness and grace? Have I truly turned to God and away from sin? To whom will I be God's messenger?