By Jodi H. Beyeler, Goshen College director of communications
Reprinted from Advent Devotions Scripture: Luke 3:7-18 (NRSV) I must confess, I am somewhat of a Facebook addict. While on some level I find value in and enjoy this communication and networking tool, I also realize that it regularly lulls me into complacency, envy, indignation, self-righteousness. It sucks my time away from me as I read, like, comment, share. Mostly though, it acts as a substitute for real engagement and action with real people and fools me into thinking I am doing something. In our Scripture today (Luke 3:7-18), the crowds keep asking John the Baptist: “What then should we do?” John invites each person – no matter what they do in life, who they are or where they live – to share with those around them in need, to do acts of kindness and generosity, and to be a blessing to others. They weren’t told to be heroes or to just believe. Rather, they are called to build right relationships and to do what they can. So, join me in getting off Facebook, being attentive, looking around for the opportunities that abound and then actually responding. In addition to being this Advent, join me in becoming a doer. Scripture: Luke 3:7-18 (NRSV) 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 ax 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. 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.
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