What Should We Do?
Reading: Luke 3:7-14
7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” 10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?” 11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” 12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” 14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:7-14 NLT)
John’s message was a wake-up call to all the people! It wasn’t just a sermon preached in church on Sunday to help people understand church doctrine. It wasn’t just a political rant to try to get people to support a political ideology or believe that one or the other of the political parties or leaders can and will fix things. It wasn’t a message to say that if we can just get things back like they used to be, then all will be well.
John’s message was a street-level message for everyone, Jews at the Temple and Gentiles in the marketplace. John’s message was a message that made everyone who heard it and took it to heart ask “What Should We Do?” John told the crowds who asked “What Should We Do?” to stop thinking only of themselves and care about others. To generously share what they had with those who had none. John told corrupt tax collectors to stop cheating people. John told Gentile Roman soldiers to stop abusing their power and extorting money and accusing innocent people of crime.
John’s message dealt with real issues, and it demanded change—it demanded that people stop doing some things and start doing other things! I’ve been thinking about John’s words. I’ve been asking my Father, “What Should I Do?” I’m nearly 83 years old. I’ve got a finite amount of time left to live and serve. I know there are things I should stop doing – let go of, and things I should start doing – focus my attention on. Will you join me in asking the “What Should I Do?” questions?
Prayer:
Father, My friends and I are asking “What Should We Do?” We know the time is at hand for action. May we hear clearly and respond decisively. We want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. In Jesus’ Name and for your Kingdom’s Sake!