Luke 3:7-18 (NRSV)
Read Luke 3:7-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Verse 8Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Verse 9Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Verse 10And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" Verse 11In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Verse 12Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" Verse 13He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Verse 14Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."
Verse 15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, Verse 16John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Verse 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Verse 18So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
Devotion
John the Baptist calls for repentance. He warns that trees that don't bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. If we have two coats, we are to share with those who have none. If we have more food than we need, we are to share our surplus with the hungry. We are not to exploit others or to abuse whatever privileges we’ve been given. God's demands for justice and righteousness are clear and unstinting. And yet, John the Baptist only baptizes for repentance and forgiveness. Jesus, who comes after him, baptizes with the Spirit and with fire. Baptized in the name of Jesus, we've been given the Spirit who not only burns away all injustice and evil within and around us, but also burns within us a flaming desire for God's justice and righteousness—not only within ourselves but throughout the world around us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, through your Spirit of fire burn away all injustice and evil within and around us. Amen.