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Jun 26, 2023 18:30pm

Are We Willing?

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What do you value the most? We may say one thing, but what do our actions and priorities show?

For some it may be money. They spend the majority of their time working and constantly trying to find ways to make more money.

For someone else, it could be family. Their days and nights are spent trying to provide and spend as much time with their family as possible.

Maybe it’s knowledge, or power and prestige. It could be popularity, or even just attention. We all are filling our lives with something.

What if I asked you to give it up? Could you? Could you take half of what you made this week or month and give it away? What about your crops or livestock, could you just hand over half of it? We could go down the list and you might say, “um, no, that’s crazy”.

But that’s exactly what John was saying to the people as they came seeking.

Luke 3:10-14

“And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”

Notice who he speaks to and what he requires of them.

People – more than likely very poor – he asks them to give of their coats. This would have been one of the most valuable things they had. Not only did it keep them warm, but it was for protection as well.

Publicans – tax collectors, hated among the people because they worked for the Romans and took money, sometimes more than was required. This overage allowed them to live a better lifestyle than the people, but it took advantage of them. They would be giving this up.

Soldiers – definitely hated among the people because they were the enemy, the Romans. They were there to keep peace, but would take bribes and find ways to gain power in the region. No one had ever seen a soldier like the one John was talking about.

All of this was required to prepare their hearts for the coming Messiah.

A sacrifice was required.

God doesn’t ask of us more than what He’s willing to do Himself. He sent us His only Son, Jesus, to be an example to all men to be sacrificed on the cross for us.

He gave us the most valuable and worthy of all sacrifices. And what He asks of us in return is simply reasonable.

We must surrender our will for His, allowing Christ to rule over our lives – our thoughts, our actions, our words. Are we willing?