Day 3 of 24 (2021)

 Day 3 of 24

Today’s Passage: Luke 3

Today’s focus: vs 7-14

Author: Darren Li

Before Jesus was put on Earth, John the Baptist was already fulfilling the words of the Old Testament by preparing the way for Him. John tells his listeners to “bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” The emphasis is on the words, “in keeping.” Earlier in the chapter, John describes this process as a “baptism of repentance,” which reinforces the idea that choosing a life in obedience to God is not a one-and-done sort of thing: it is something that requires a change of mind and direction in one’s life. 

John preemptively knew that the crowd would justify their salvation through their bloodline, being from the lineage of Abraham. John refutes this by saying that “[every tree] that does not bear fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Therefore, we must be deliberate in our actions when we say that we choose to repent and follow God.

When we think about what following God looks like, we often picture mission trips or volunteering to feed the poor and needy, but John’s message in this passage is one that is quite ordinary. He told the crowds to share necessities such as food and clothing to those who don’t, he told the tax collectors to collect their authorized amount, and the soldiers to be content with their wages and not abuse their power.

These are all examples of how a Christian should act, and how a Christian bears fruit. God’s commandment for us has always been to love God and love your neighbors.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

And in the New Testament, quoted by Jesus:

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39)

As the world becomes more and more divisive, it becomes increasingly more clear that we need to follow Him and turn away from the lawlessness that encroaches this world. Therefore, let us turn away from sin and return to the God of love through repentance that bears fruit.

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Were you encouraged by today's passage or the devotional? What stood out to you as you read the chapter and devotional? What did the author say that resonated with you? Please leave a comment below to encourage other readers too!