John clearly outlines what we are to do:
- Admit our sins!
- ACTIVELY live a different life!
- Keep only what we need - share the rest!
- Be honest!
- Be fair!
That's all from me this morning ..... may your paths be straight, valleys filled in, hills and mountains lowered and any rough edges smoothed off!
5 comments:
I reckon that is one of the best and simplest summaries of John's (the baptist) message that I have seen Gemma! Thankyou.
As many of you probably know, I really struggle with the message of "keep only what we need - share the rest". I believe that most of us in "affluent Australia" water down this message and "self-justify" our lifestyles. If John the Baptist joined us in our loungeroom next Tuesday night, I wonder what his message to us would be?
My prayer is that as we re-discover a greater passion for Jesus and cling more tightly to him that we would happily let go of much of the "stuff" we are currently clinging to.
Mmm John could give a real tongue lashing!
Thank God for Grace and Mercy!
All the water [baptismal] in the world and the desires to 'lead good lives', to free ourselves of materialism etc are nothing without the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in us to bring about actual change, renewal.
It really struck me that John, even before Jesus ministry started - was talking about the Baptism of the Spirit! I have always associated this with Jesus last words to his disciples.
Yes, well put Gemma...and I agree with you Andrew. We are 'Spring Cleaning'here at the moment, and it is embarrassing the number of times we've said, "Oh, so that's where that got to." Christian consumption is alive and well at the Blanchard's place.
Just a comment on the Jewish context of Ch3 - there are two High Priests at this time, not the usual one...yet the message of repentance and redemption comes from outside the 'clergy'.
But John can only call and warn (v17-18); Jesus is the one who delivers.
I too was surprised to hear of the Holy Spirit being talked about prior to Jesus.
I had to stop and think .... weren't they cousins and about the same age?
Is there any scripture that talks of John and Jesus 'hanging out' when growing up? Of Jesus teaching John?
I'm not aware of any scriptures which speak about John and Jesus hanging out but my guess is that they must have.
I wonder how many people heard John's message but still did not respond? I wonder how many messages I have heard over the years which have been like water off a duck's back.
Over these 52 days may we not only "hear" and be challenged but may we be willing and ready to respond and receive.
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