Advent 2024 - Day 15

Day 15: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Primary Scripture: Luke 3:7
Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 3:7-10; Ezekiel 18:30-32

(Apologies - forgot to post this one yesterday)

When I was in my rebellious teens my friends and I decided the yard belonging to the old-man across the street would be a suitable place to play football.  It was a lush lawn of St.Augustine and relatively free of sprinkler heads.  Well, it did not take long and the old curmudgeon, a New York transplant to Florida, stepped onto his front porch shouting "Get off my grass you @#$! - kids"  He also spewed something about us being illegitimate children.  Whenever I think of John the Baptist shouting at people I think of my old neighbor.  He was certainly in his right to try and make us repent of our ways. We failed to see the fullness of what he was nurturing in his yard.  But we were just kids being kids, so at the time it seemed a bit coarse (to understate his feelings).

When John the Baptist confronts the crowds, calling them a “brood of vipers,” his words seem harsh. Yet, they are words of truth and urgency. He warns them not to rely on their heritage or religious identity for salvation but to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Ezekiel 18:30-32 echoes this call, urging God’s people to turn from their sins and live.  Sometimes, people need to hear harsh words to catch their attention! Especially if one is trying to change another for the better.

Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for our sins—it is a complete change of direction, a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. True repentance is visible in our actions, in the “fruit” we bear. It is not enough to say we believe; our lives must reflect the transformation that repentance brings. And that is why it is so hard to be repentant - who want's to look at their actions and own them?

This Advent, let us examine our hearts. Are we bearing fruit that reflects our repentance? Are there areas of our lives where we need to turn back to God? Let us respond to John’s call with humility and a renewed commitment to live for Him.

Lets Pray:
Father, help us to take John’s words to heart. Teach us what it means to truly repent and to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Show us the areas of our lives that need to change, and give us the courage to turn back to You. May our lives reflect the transformation You bring. Amen.