Be Ready

Luke 3:10-14 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.” 
 
IN our previous lesson, we considered that hungering and thirsting for God’s truth is one key to a changed heart for Jesus’ gospel. In this scripture, we read that John’s very pointed preaching affected hearts to want to eat and drink of God’s righteousness. There was good hunger in Israel along the Jordan River. Some Jews understood they were not faithful to God’s law.
    We know their hearts because they asked the good hungry question, “What should we do?” This is a key question for any learning, isn’t it? “What should I do to drive the car?” “What should I do to become a teacher?” “What should I do to be a good husband?” “What should I do to closely walk with Jesus?” “What should we do to interpret and teach the Bible?” Asking the question, your heart and mind begin to turn toward the answers. You may not like those answers that point, as John’s answers, to sacrifice. But if you have a heart for true change, you will press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (you) heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)
    Now, let’s ask, “What would happen if you sat down with your Bible once a day and you prayed, “Lord, what should I do with what I read?’” Would the Holy Spirit focus your mind to press on toward the purpose of God’s teaching. Would your heart open to be filled with an understanding of God’s wisdom and knowledge? Your hands and feet would more eagerly put the gospel into practice. You would, “Do the love of God.”
    God’s Spirit was using John’s preaching to ignite Israel to change through the repentance of sin. The general population of Jews had forgotten God’s law. Tax collectors acted greedily against their own people. The soldiers represented Rome’s and the religious leaders’  oppression. God was moving into Jews and Gentiles, into the oppressed and the oppressors, to prepare the way for the Lord, (to) make straight paths for him.  
    That’s the reason for preaching, teaching and learning today. Jesus came to preach the gospel, so you will be ready when Jesus comes again. You must be ready. In turn you must help the world be ready. That preparation begins with your own heart asking, “What should I do?”
 
Prayer: What should I do, Lord, to live into the gospel, to be prepared for the Day of the Lord when you come again? In Jesus’ name, I receive your answer. Amen.