Read Luke 3:7-18
We met John in our last Advent reading. His preaching was certainly no nonsense as he prepared the people to meet Jesus. By this time, Jesus was all grown up. You may recall earlier in Luke when John’s mother, Elizabeth, was visited by Jesus’ mother, Mary, while pregnant with Jesus. Even while in his mother’s womb, John couldn’t stay still in Jesus’ presence. John could sense even then that Jesus was someone to be honored and celebrated.
How does John describe Jesus in this passage? As someone “greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals.” Imagine having grown up as cousins with Jesus, the Messiah. For others to be ready to meet the Messiah, the people needed to act. Here, John gives them tangible examples of changes they should make to be ready for Jesus.
It’s all about attitude. John was suggesting the people needed to get themselves right with God by repenting. How do you understand these words of John? “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.”
Do you think the “even now” was a time stamp only for John’s day? Couldn’t it also mean today and tomorrow as well? Jesus came to bring forgiveness and redemption for those who believe. But God’s judgment remains poised to take action for those who don’t. For those who don’t choose Jesus or help multiply God’s followers.
Thankfully, the Holy Spirit has handed us “fruit” to keep us from being lost forever, burned up in that fire. The fruits are described in the Bible as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. When we experience this fruits in our life, we should definitely attribute them to God. For these are part of God’s abundance, not a result of the world. I like to give credit where credit is due and have an attitude of gratitude.
What does John’s preaching say to you? I liked how the people asked what they could do to be ready for the Messiah. How many people are asking about the Messiah today? Does Jesus as Messiah ever come up in conversations outside of church or a Bible study?
No shame here, but when is the last time you shared your faith so that a non-believer or a curious, on-the-fence kind of believer made the leap into a life of faith? John is modeling that for us by calling out the hard truth so that people will sense the urgency and importance. He was bold and dedicated to the call of God in his life. That’s another great model for us.
The Savior is coming. He has given us so many reasons for being anxious for that day. In the waiting, he has given us so many gifts, including the Holy Spirit power that can tap into the wisdom of God. There’s a lot to be grateful for while we wait.
Let’s pray. Lord God, I thank you for this opportunity to reflect on your return this Advent. It is clear you want us to be ready and be watching. Cleanse my heart and open my eyes to see the ones around me who need to hear from you. Bless all that I say and do this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
