Luke 3:7-18 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
Context: Recall or (re)read the context of John the Baptist from last week's post. This desert preacher serves as a bridge between the promises of the Old Testament prophets like Zephaniah and the New Testament ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Going Deeper: What a difficult passage to connect to Zephaniah’s call for rejoicing! In the beginning we find it sounding more like Zephaniah's judgment oracles and although the author alludes to the good news, we don't actually "hear" it this week.
What we do hear if we listen closely enough is the words of John the Baptist ringing in our ears! We cannot welcome the Christ Child into our hearts and our lives without examining ourselves, letting go of sole self-sufficiency, and finally making a recommitment to repentance as it means in the text … metanoia, which literally means “to turn” with a further sense of humble obedience
"What should we do?" John gives us a good look at a life that has been obediently turned toward God, a life that is characterized by honesty and concern for those who are less fortunate. As we turn toward God, we find that once again we are being called to let go of the same old fears that keep us captive. As we turn our lives toward God and others, we rejoice in the presence of God within our community. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Pondering: What makes you afraid? How do you find God in the midst of your fear? How do you know what you should "do?" Where do you find joy in your difficulties?
Prayer: If you haven't done it yet, consider an Advent Wreath for your devotional time during Advent. Visit the website of Rev. Ken Collins for information (with a humorous twist) on How to Make and Use an Advent Wreath. You could also simply use 3 candles.
As you light a third candle to reveal the pathway to faithfulness, end your time by praying
"Dear God, fill me with joy as I repent in preparation for your gentle and strong presence ... Amen."
What we do hear if we listen closely enough is the words of John the Baptist ringing in our ears! We cannot welcome the Christ Child into our hearts and our lives without examining ourselves, letting go of sole self-sufficiency, and finally making a recommitment to repentance as it means in the text … metanoia, which literally means “to turn” with a further sense of humble obedience
"What should we do?" John gives us a good look at a life that has been obediently turned toward God, a life that is characterized by honesty and concern for those who are less fortunate. As we turn toward God, we find that once again we are being called to let go of the same old fears that keep us captive. As we turn our lives toward God and others, we rejoice in the presence of God within our community. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Pondering: What makes you afraid? How do you find God in the midst of your fear? How do you know what you should "do?" Where do you find joy in your difficulties?
Prayer: If you haven't done it yet, consider an Advent Wreath for your devotional time during Advent. Visit the website of Rev. Ken Collins for information (with a humorous twist) on How to Make and Use an Advent Wreath. You could also simply use 3 candles.
In this new light give thanks to the Lord.
With joy draw water from the wells of salvation.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
With joy draw water from the wells of salvation.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
As you light a third candle to reveal the pathway to faithfulness, end your time by praying
"Dear God, fill me with joy as I repent in preparation for your gentle and strong presence ... Amen."
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