December 14th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 3:7-18

 John 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? Bear 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. Even now the axe 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.’

 And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers 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.’

 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John 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. His 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.’

 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Reflection
So there I was, ready to do what my Master would have me do. It was a funny set of words that I had heard said about me. I was being used as a threat this time. Really my Master wasn't ready to put me into action just yet. He just wanted to tell the people that I would go into action at any time. I may be put into action in a flurry of motion and movement from one tree to the next.

Any tree that didn't bear fruit would have to endure the results of what my sharp edge could do. The words were a warning. A warning for the people of earth to repent and get ready for the coming of something very powerful and mighty.

But when he came, he was something vastly different from what I expected. He came to show the people how to bear fruit. The people could bear fruit through his death. It was weird yet wonderful all in a strange way. Jesus came and gave his life so that the people could live life in him. Jesus took the brunt of the punishment that I will yield to those who still refuse to accept Jesus' gift of life and love.

These people deserved nothing but the results of my sharp edge. They deserved death by the blows of my maker. They had refused to follow God for years! I mean years and years! They all sin and separate themselves from God and deserve damnation. But, Jesus came! God sent his own Son to live and die in the place of these people so that they could have life. Listen people! Look people! See what God has done for you.

But, here I am... lying at the root of the trees. Waiting for that flurry of movement, that doesn't need to take place. If only they will listen.

Prayer
Lord, help us to hear the voice of John. Help us to hear your voice and see your love in Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen