As John the Baptist is called forth by God to start his ministry, we are given some historical markers. From these facts, we learn that it is a time when Israel is under oppressive rule by the Romans. The Roman rulers are immoral, self-seeking and cruel. Evil and corruption are prevalent in the surrounding cultures and society. John the Baptist is sent to prepare the hearts of the people to be receptive of the spiritual Messiah they so desperately need.
“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”” (3:4-6)
I love the wording of these verses. The world is skewed by the evil influence of Satan. God, however wants to put things back in order. He wants to get the people off of wrong paths, and steer them clear of wrong thinking, wrong attitudes, and wrong perspectives. He wants them to see clearly the path that He wants them to follow. He wants them to clearly see their greatest need...Jesus.
As the crowds gathered, John warned the people that they couldn’t bank on being the son of Abraham for acceptance by God. Instead, they were accountable for the condition of their heart and their heart had to be truly repentant of sin. The same is true for us. It doesn’t matter if we were raised in Church, if we attend church regularly, or whatever else in our life there might be that makes us appear to be a Christian. What matters is if our hearts are humbled, repentant and obedient.
John warns that not everyone would be saved “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (3:9)
The people wanted to know what they could do to bear good fruit. John gave 3 specific examples.
1. To Those Who Had Been Blessed With Material Means: “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” (3:11)
2. To The Tax Collectors: “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” (3:13)
3. To The Soldiers: “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” (3:14)
Each of these examples addressed how people treated each other and how they manifested the selfless love of Christ in their daily life. When you reflect upon your own particular station or position in life, what do you think John would have said to you as examples of ways that you could extend the love of Christ to others.
May I encourage you to seek the straight path of God’s selfless love and abundant truth and bring a repentant heart with you. Be receptive to God as He reveals to you ways that you can bless and serve the people you have direct impact and influence upon.
Jesus is always there for you, to clearly show you the path to travel.
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him..Psalm 37:23
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
The Holy Spirit will help you to bear good fruit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22-23