Reflection on Luke 3:7-18

Scripture
“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.”

Observation
John's message was not a soft gospel. If he was the one to make the highway of the Lord, then he needed to use bulldozers and graders to remove the rubbish and clear the way.

John was very clear that repentance had to produce results in a changed lifestyle. It was no good people thinking they were exempt from God's judgement just because they were children of Abraham.

Neither are people safe if they have just said a prayer or attend church.

Application
Repentance is about an orientation of our thinking and our behaviour so that we seek what pleases God and not just what makes us feel happy.

Repentance means seeking holiness- actions, words and thoughts that are in keeping with God's character.

Repentance is a process not an event. It means allowing God to progressively uncover what is in our hearts that is wrong and to let Him cut it out of us.

Repentance is sometimes painful, but it always results in joy.

Prayer
Lord I hear your call to change. Help me to let go of the things that displease you and to take up actions and thought-patterns that are holy and good. Amen.