John said to the crowds coming out to be baptised by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Luke 3:7
John the Baptist was never one to shy away from strong words and how he addresses the crowd here is pretty brutal. That said sometimes we need to hear the blunt truth to sit up and take notice. I think John’s comments could well be valid for many today who profess one thing but live another. Let us pray that for those this applies to, we would indeed take notice and change our ways.
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance…. Luke 3:8
The life of the truly repentant person cannot be the same as it was before they confessed the Lord as their Saviour. If we have really turned away from the things that separate us from God our lives will change. People will see in us a greater measure of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and of course self-control. Let us pray that each of these areas we would be constantly growing.
… And do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:8
It seems to me that so many people seem to think that the fact that they were born into a ‘Christian’ country (not that I think this defines Britain today) that they are by default Christians and therefore saved. Similarly, some think if they are ‘good’ people that’s enough to assure them of a place in Heaven, when the simple truth is it is not enough. Let us pray for those we know who need to know and accept the gift of Salvation offered only though Jesus.
The axe has been laid to the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9
Following on from yesterday, the simple truth is that those who are not in a living relationship with the Lord will have no part in the glory of Heaven. The Bible tells us, and John alludes to, such people are destined to an eternity in Hell, without God and without hope. Of course, for us who have been saved that does not mean we should sit back, but rather we should redouble our efforts to see them saved. Let us praise God for what we have and pray for those that have not yet entered into the life-giving relationship with the Lord.
‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. Luke 3:10
I guess for many of us this is a question we long to hear people ask. Of course, first the answer is to give your heart to the Lord and then to live as he desires, losing our selfish desires, and be fair in all our dealings with others. This is what John means in verses 11-14 of our passage this week. Let us pray that the Lord would show us what we need to do in order to live a ‘right life’.
John answered them all, ‘I baptise you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16
It is easy to get carried away with the messenger when the message is brought to us by a charismatic person. But there is only one person we should follow and that is Jesus Christ. Christmas points us towards Easter and the amazing act of love shown to us by Jesus on the cross. But his life is also an example for us to follow. Jesus is the real deal, no person can ever come close. Let us praise God for his son and our Salvation
And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. Luke 3:18
As we come to worship let us bring honour and glory to God in the attitudes of our hearts. Let us use this special time of year to encourage those around us to peer into the stable and encounter the Saviour of the world. Let us again pray for a Christmas miracle in the hearts who are yet to know who Jesus really is, the Saviour of the world.