In these verses, we get a glimpse of John’s ministry and message. His life was foretold by Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 40:3-5). John ministry was to tell people to prepare their hearts to received the good news of God’s forgiveness through the life and sacrifice of Jesus. As John preached on the coming of the Messiah and the coming judgement upon people for their sinful and selfish behavior, people asked what could they do to escape judgement. In addressing this question, John goes right to the root of the problem. The religious leaders believed and taught that the descendants of Abraham were exempt from God’s judgement of sin through the covenant God made with Abraham. John declares this is not the case (verse 8). Even today, people use this as an excuse to continue with their selfish, sinful lifestyle. When confronted with the reality of their need to turn from their sin and be forgiven through belief in Jesus, they say things like, “I’m a Christian” or “I am basically a good person.” The interesting aspect of Abraham is that he is not an Israelite. Abraham is the father of Israel. However, he is also the father of many nations. God’s covenant of blessing and redemption was for Abraham and all of his descendants not just the nation of Israel and their descendants.
There is a tremendous amount of theology packed into these verses. However, the core of John’s message was that in order to prepare your heart to receive the blessing and redemption of the Abrahamic Covenant, you first need to turn away from your sin and selfishness and turn your life over to God (verse 8). Furthermore, you are to prove you have truly done this by the way you live. You are to not only think of yourself, but give to those in need. You are not to take what does not belong to you (verses 11-14). And, you are to be honest in all your dealings. The proof of your faith is in the actions you take to be a blessing to others (James 2:14-17). When I take an inventory of my life each day, how does it stack up with John’s message? Am I enriching the lives of others or am I so caught up with my own life, I am blind to the needs of others and willing to subtract from their lives in order to protect my own?
Stephen Covey in his book, “The Third Alternative,” says that most people think in two alternatives: Either I win and you lose, or you win and I lose. He calls this a “scarcity mentality.” His says there is a third alternative where both win and calls this an “abundance mentality.” This third alternative is exactly what John declares is the proof of true repentance and the lifestyle God’s true descendants are to live. Jesus declared, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
When I take an inventory of my life each day, how does it stack up with John’s message? Am I enriching the lives of others or am I so caught up with my own life, I am blind to the needs of others and willing to subtract from their lives in order to protect my own? Do I live my life moment to moment with a scarcity or an abundance mentality? Do I hear the words of John the Baptist (verse 7) echo in my head or do I hear the words of Jesus (Matthew 25:21)?
12/27/2012 - Making Sense of It All - Luke 2:41-52
My Thoughts: It seems odd to me that Joseph and Mary did not account for Jesus’ whereabouts before leaving Jerusalem to return to Nazareth after the Passover Festival. I believe it is relative to the story of Jesus because Luke included this fact. I have heard different explanations for this but still it causes me to ponder. From all accounts, Joseph and Mary had 7 children including Jesus. I had a Catholic family across the street with 7 girls! Their house was always hectic but fun to spend time at and a good influence in my life. There is the possibility Jesus was with some of His relatives or family friends. Growing up, my family would take Summer vacations with another family or two. During the vacation, it was not uncommon for me to stay with another family for a couple of days. Later, I understood why the parents would take turns watching all of us kids. I could conceive the fact that Jesus was thought to be with a relative family and both sets of parents assumed he was with the other. This type of sharing of families is rare in our American, modern culture. Less and less do you see cohesive, extended family care.
This lack of care and nurture by extended family is a detriment to our society. More and more, a family is isolated and alone in caring for their children. Single parenthood is at an all time high. Neighborhoods have become unsafe because no one extends the watch and protection of our children beyond the walls of our own homes. Therefore, child predators move into neighborhoods full of children and wait to pounce. Generation to generation we perpetuate this lack of sharing and teamwork among families and our children grow up more and more isolated, insecure, socially inept, and independent of others. The recent mass shooting of innocent adults and children is a testament to this fact.
The solution to this societal catastrophe can be found in the community of faith, our local churches. I believe more and more, young parents are looking for ways to counter this trend of family isolation. Many, because of job related transfers, have moved from their childhood cities, leaving relatives far away only to find they are alone and separated from the benefit of extended family care and influence. Is it any wonder we have children left alone during the day and parents completely overwhelmed with raising a family? This is where the community of faith could step in and share the load with each other. As members of the Body of Christ, it is a great commandment we have to love our neighbors and share the load with them. To allow the parents to have one or more days to be alone with each other and share the care of their children. To help single parents go to work knowing while they are at work, someone is there to watch over their children, whom they can trust. To have a community where their children can play and grow up in safety. Jesus died on the cross to tear down the divisive walls among us and build His church. Are we to let His sacrifice go in vain? This is a crucial time in our society for the family and one where the church is designed and meant to step in and help meet this extreme need.
