Day Ten

'Make Way for the Lord--Part 2'

Yesterday we looked at the purpose of John the Baptist's ministry:  preaching a baptism in repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  Today, let's dig a little deeper into John's message in Luke 3:

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  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.  The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

"What should we do then?" the crowd asked.  John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."  Even tax collectors came to be baptized.  "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"

"Don't collect any more  than you are required to," he told them.  Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?"  He replied, "Don't exhort money and don't accuse people falsely--be content with your pay."

Notice John the Baptist's exhortation: produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  He is telling us that if we are truly repentant, others will notice the change in us.  We won't just talk the talk, but we will walk the walk; our lives will be transformed through and through and our transformation will bear much fruit.  I find it interesting that when the crowd asks what they should do to bear fruitful lives, John the Baptist gives them a very practical response.  He tells them if they see someone in  need to provide for them, if they have to collect money, do not collect anymore than is necessary...basically, he is telling them: 'be content and out of that contentment, help others.'

Contentment.  True contentment gives it all away, hording nothing.  True contentment does not store up treasures here on earth, nor does it seek after that which is perishable by fire.  True contentment enables us to live fruitful lives because we are not distracted by the managing and taking care of 'stuff'.  True contentment is focused on others and not self.

What circumstances in your life are robbing you of contentment?

Dear Lord,

I fall down before you, asking for forgiveness.  Forgive me for discontentment in the area of _____________________.  Forgive me for holding on too tightly to worldly possessions. Open my eyes today--shed light on the darkness of this sin.  Free me from selfishness--all in my life that has self at its core.  Instead, make me others-focused.  May I look outward and look to be your hands and feet to those around me.  Show me needs around me, big and small, and let me be Your vessel today to meet those needs.  Also, keep me others-focused today by reminding me throughout the day to lift up prayers on behalf of the women who will be attending the conference...that this conference will be a beginning for them --a beginning of an abundant, fruitful life. 

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.