Week 26, Day 5
July 1, 2022 Scripture: Luke 3 “Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”” (Luke 3:14) There’s a lot to talk about in Luke 3! John’s ministry, Jesus’ baptism and his genealogy! But let’s pay attention to a small but important part of John’s ministry. He was obviously baptizing people, but he was coupling that baptism with repentance. “What is it that we do now that we have been baptized?” John’s message is clear, “Stop extorting!” “Stop using positions of power as a way to get ahead!” The poor have already been mentioned in Luke’s Gospel, preparing us for the ministry of John and Jesus, “He has brough down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” (Luke 1:52-53) He is deeply concerned with how they have been treated, and for him, evidence of the kingdom of God breaking into the world is directly reflected on how the poor are blessed. Luke’s intentions are quite clear, especially at the start of the account of the book of Acts, it is the poor who have all their needs met. “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32) It’s a good place to start, isn’t it? What do we do now that we’ve given our lives to Christ? We don’t use positions of power to our advantage, rather, we make ourselves nothing, pouring ourselves out. We follow the example of Jesus, who lifts the broken, ministers to those who are suffering, and cares for one another. We love one another as Christ loves us. Be content, love well, follow Jesus. Who can you encourage today?
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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