Today’s Reading, Luke 2-3
Focal Scripture: Luke 3:8 “Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don’t start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.”
Have you ever been apologized to and you knew the person didn’t mean it? They say all the right words, go through the motions but you can tell it is not from the heart. I have even experienced apologies where the statement was made “I am sorry it made you feel that way.” Never an acknowledgment of what they did wrong. Never an apology for their actions.
In today’s reading John the Baptist tells his hearers to produce fruit consistent with repentance. Simply put, your actions should show that you’re making a change. John even goes further and attacks their lineage. He boldly tells them that God can raise up rocks to be children for Abraham.
What is the meaning of this scripture? It is that you can go through the motions but not really repent of your sins. To often people don’t turn from their actions. Sin gets a pass. Excuses get made for behavior. So what can be done about this problem?
John wants people to live out repentance. It should be noticeable to everyone. It should be an example for others to follow. Repentance should change your view of sin. We should hate sin and be willing to turn from it!
Repentance leads to life change. Repentance matters.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Luke 4-5
