Rev Gav

Willingness

Luke 3:7-9

⁷ When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? ⁸ 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. ⁹ 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.”

Reflect

John was spreading his message about the Messiah in the wilderness and people were turning out in droves to hear him. Now you would think that people would have been happy with John’s announcement that a rescuer from God, the Messiah, was coming, right? Wrong! You see, John was also telling them that they were not ready and that they were not spiritually fit. And spiritual fitness did not mean just going through religious rituals or making the spiritual claim that you were a descendant of Abraham. No, spiritual fitness meant changing your behaviour, and therefore John’s message ticked off all the phoney religious types!

I once joined a local snooker club and I received my membership card to show that I was a member of the club. The card itself did not make me a member but it felt good to get it. I was accepted as one of the gang. It was a significant moment. I did not have to go through the process of being a member ever again. However, becoming a member and having a visual symbol of my membership did not make me a better snooker player! No, to be a better snooker player, I needed to play snooker, go to the club, watch other players, work at my shots, learn techniques, and so on.

It is the same with baptism. Baptism was a sign that you were identifying yourself with the mission and purpose of the Messiah, but baptism without action was worthless. This is why when people came to John and asked what they should do, John did not say, “Just go through the ceremony.” No! He asked them to repent, then gave them practical advice on how to live their lives. This ‘getting ready’ was a continual process.

Do

Today, demonstrate your readiness or willingness to be a follower of Jesus. Put your faith into practice by doing one small generous or loving act that will bless and encourage someone else.

Pray

Holy God
As I turn and follow you,
may I turn my faith into action.
Help me to love and bless others
as you have loved and blessed me.
May I be an encouragement
to all those I encounter.
This day and for ever.
Amen.

Think

Why wasn’t it enough for people to obey the religious law? What was it in people’s lives that God was looking for?