PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 3:10-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“’What should we do then?’ the crowd asked.” (Luke 3:10)
John has called them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance (v.9).
When asked, he then gives specific examples of life change.
For the crowds in general, share your possessions with those in need.
For tax collectors, it is to be just and fair when collecting taxes.
For soldiers (probably Jews working for Herod), don’t abuse your position for gain.
These are just examples, these are not the only sins these people had.
John could have told the tax collectors to stop working for Rome.
Or the soldiers to to quit being soldiers at all, because it was also serving Rome.
But he starts with some obvious examples of being cruel to others.
This is not the extent of sin, but it is the most obvious starting point.
‘Stop doing things that hurt others, take steps to help others!’
This kind of fruit is evidence that something is changing within us.
We are letting go of selfishness, and moving towards serving others.
What are some obvious ways I can make similar changes to help, not hurt, others?
PRAYER
Lord, transformation is a process that takes time. But help me to take little steps in the right direction, to show that I am serious and sincere!
Muzzle the messenger. The messenger is telling us things that we can do that are steps in the right direction – but do we muzzle the messenger, the Holy Spirit that sometimes prods us? Do I behave like Herod and want to lock up the messenger? Sometimes the steps may be higher or bigger than others – but they are steps that are not impossible – changes are made in steps and if I take a step today – it points me in the right direction and sets me up for the next. Lord, help to walk more fully in your way – one step at a time!
We could ask the same question today as the people did then – How then shall we live? By producing good fruit. Living the life of love – love for God and love for others. And this can only be done through the Spirit’s leading having an open heart. Do good. I am not my own but belong to my Saviour and He needs to pilot me.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Savior, pilot me.
Though the sea be smooth and bright,
Sparkling with the stars of night,
And my ship’s path be ablaze
With the light of halcyon days,
Still I know my need of Thee;
Savior, pilot me.
When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear you say to me,
I will pilot thee