The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Friday
December 5, 2008
Here is a sample of John's preaching to the crowds that came for baptism:
"You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God's coming judgment? Prove by the
way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Don't
just say, 'We're safe – we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing.
God can change these stones here into children of Abraham. Even now the ax of
God's judgment is poised, ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does
not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire."
The
crowd asked, "What should we do? "
John replied, "If you have two coats,
give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry."
Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, "Teacher, what
should we do?"
"Show your honesty," he replied. "Make sure you collect no
more taxes than the Roman government requires you to."
"What should we do?"
asked some soldiers.
John replied, "Don't extort money, and don't accuse
people of things you know they didn't do. And be content with your pay."
Luke 3:1-6
John's words still sting; they get to the very core of who we are. How many of us would really give one of our coats to someone who needs it? I mean, seriously. Oh, I know a few people who would do that, but not near enough. Yes, I know people who give clothes to different missions, Goodwill, or the Salvation Army, but these things are usually things they are tired of. What if the Lord told you to give one of your new coats to the person in line behind you at the grocery store? Ummmm.
Advent – the time of looking ahead, the time of searching our hearts, is the time of preparation in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ. It is a time of service. If you are a Believer then you are also a Receiver. God has given you a ministry; maybe a ministry of coats!
I was watching a television talk show one afternoon last week and they were talking about integrity; living out who we are 24/7. In many ways I am a person of integrity. Oh, not the way some people judge integrity, but God's way. I am who I am just about everywhere I am. Did you catch that…just about? So, no I am not a person of complete integrity, but being able to admit that means I'm on my way.
David confessed in Psalm 51:6 that God wants honesty from our heart; that is integrity. When we can be honest with ourselves in our self-assessment God has something to work with. As long as we put on a front to people we are lying to ourselves and chained to living in our carnal nature. So what's a person to do? Get alone with God and let Him show us who we really are inside and out!
Oh, maybe one sign is whether or not we are content with our pay…just a thought!
Father, I confess that all too often I have tried to attain the respect of other people at the cost of my integrity. I have not been who I am when I'm alone with You in front of other people. Set me free to be the person You created me to be. Then, and only then, can I be a true witness of Your miracle working power to change lives. And Father, I confess that I have been a little disappointed that I don't get paid for doing what I do. I repent. I'm just happy to have the privilege of lifting up Your name to hurting people and those who help them daily. What an honor! Thank You!
