Wednesday, December 18-Joy

Luke 3:7-18

There is a famous quote I see on signs that people hang in their homes, “When you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher fence.”  This is what John challenges the people in Luke to do.  He tells them your fruit, the way your faith is displayed, is evidence of your repentance. 

 He is quick to say that growing up in a religious home or belonging to a certain faith is not that evidence, but it is the fruit that comes with repentance.  And he gives them specific examples: share your clothes with those who have none, share your food with those who have none, don’t act in greed, don’t accuse people when you don’t know their circumstances, be content.  This is the fruit! 

 Because when we live in repentance from sin and towards Jesus, our heart and mind change and then our actions change for the things of Christ.  The world will see us standing in the confidence of Christ when we trust him and lengthen our table.

 John the Baptist reminds us that in the kingdom of God, economic and social issues are holy issues. It can be easy to put up fences but as the repenting community that now identifies with Jesus as God’s children, we need to bear His fruit.

 Joy is experienced when we allow God to burn up our selfish desires and live on fire to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Let the Spirit search you with fire and identify the areas that need burned up in your life.  Let’s tear down the fences we have and stand in the joy of the Lord.

 What fences do you keep up in your life?

 How can you build a longer table?

PASTOR TABITHA MARTIN