“And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.””
Luke 3:10-14 ESV
When preparing for the message this week looking for a sermon illustration, it was rather troubling that in the first few locations that I looked the idea of justice did not appear. Justice is prevalent throughout the Bible, it is talked about in just about every other news article. Whether it is talking about the systemic racism between caucasians and people of different races from our own country or around the world. Or the war in Ukraine and the injustices that are being caused there. Or maybe it is the inequality between nations when it comes the the resources to fight against common sicknesses let alone the more detrimental illnesses like AIDS and Covid 19 let alone cancer, famine and drought.
We can take some of the blessings of our birth location for granted and argue away the reality of the injustices that are all around us or we could recognize the injustices and truly be stewards of the blessings that God has given us responsibility over to share with others.
The message that John gives is one of repentance of turning back to God and that in this action of turning away from your sinful ways, God will forgive you. It is not about begging for forgiveness it is about a humbly seeking God’s grace. It is about living in God’s blessing and grace that God gives freely to those who seek Him. It is a message for the common person or the leaders of the world, turn away from the injustices that you are perpetrating and share the blessing you have been given, as Jesus has blessed each of us with.
