Daily Devotion, August 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 3:7-14.

Many people were coming to John to be baptized, but they had not repented of anything. They were coming because this was the religious experience of the day. It was the thing to do if you wanted to appear holy. John scolds them and then gives some very Christ-like guidance on how to live their everyday life.

John says to them, “You religious rulers haven’t repented. You just want to appear holy. He calls them a brood of vipers or a nest of vipers, wilderness snakes that John would have been familiar with. That was about the worst insult you could give in the ancient world. And probably in the present world, in my opinion!

John goes on to tell them what true repentance looks like. First he says that true repentance requires results. True repentance has fruit. Next he tells them the main sin to repent of is greed.

They ask, “What shall we do then?” John tells them to be generous and to share food and clothing with those in need. To the tax collectors, he tells them to be honest. And to the soldiers who were intimidating others with their power, he tells them to be content.

In other words, John says repentance needs to reflect change. He is saying, “Do not stay in your sin. Repent. And show you have truly changed by the fruit of your lives.” John’s message is true for us today. Repenting is the removing of obstacles that keep us from living a Christ-filled life and turning our lives to God. Then we need to live lives that reflect that change in our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

How has repentance looked in your life? Have you removed obstacles that prevent you from living a life that pleases God? If so, are you more generous and honest? Do you deal justly with people? What other changes have you made after repenting? Focus today on doing things that show you have turned from sin and to God.