“Come, Unto Me”
Welcome to “Come Unto Me” as we journey together through the gospel of Luke. Let us pray: Gracious God we thank you for the Living Word that gives witness to the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. May your Holy Spirit open our souls to this Living Word. Amen
Tuesday, July 7 / Luke Chapter 3
Prepare! There are many things we prepare for in life. We prepare for: weddings, retirement, birth of a child, trips, moving, heading off to college, sports seasons, and much more. Today’s reading introduces us to the ministry of John the Baptist. His mission was to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. John’s message was to call people to repent. Turn from a way of life that was not in line with God’s plan for all people. “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” (Luke 3:8) The fruit that John saw people bearing was nothing more than empty words. “We are ancestors of Abraham” the people would cry. Yet John’s message was clear – “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance”. (Luke 3:7)
So what does this fruit look like that John the Baptist was speaking of? Note John’s response to the following question asked of him by those in the crowd- “What than should we do?”
* “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do the same.” (Luke 3:11
* “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” (Luke 3:13)
* “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusations, and be satisfied with your wages.” (Luke 3:14)
How we live in community does matter. But how is this to come about when we struggle with the age old temptation to focus only on ourselves? This is what John the Baptist called out from the people as he called them to repent. The good news it not to be found in what we do but rather in what God has done in sending Jesus Christ. John the Baptist made it very clear that he was not the one they were waiting for but rather pointed them toward Jesus Christ. This is the Good News John proclaimed and that we have the opportunity to hear today.
Each Sunday morning service begins with a time of confession. It is a part of not only worship on Sunday morning but each day our lives. Martin Luther wrote – “Daily I die to sin and rise anew in Christ Jesus”. We remember our baptism and the gift of transforming love gifted to us in that water. So maybe the way we prepare for the Lord is to daily remember our baptism. So take out a bowl of water. Dip your hands in the water and make the sign of the cross on your forehead and say – “I am a child of God”. It is all a free gift to you! What a great way to prepare your heart and soul each day.
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