Luke 3:7-9
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 3:7-9 noticing John’s interesting way of sharing the Good News of the coming Savior.
Sometimes we just need the plain truth. If we’re headed into oncoming disaster and thinking clearly, we probably don’t want a gentle suggestion that we might want to change our course. We want someone to warn us urgently. Unfortunately, we’re not always thinking clearly.
The people seeking John out in the wilderness seem to understand that they need a new direction for their lives. Otherwise, they might just walk away in the face of John’s stinging characterization of them. But they keep coming, and John keeps warning all who will listen.
The practice of confession is more than just a process of unburdening our souls. Confession is a way of allowing the Holy Spirit to search us in the places where we may not be thinking clearly and to show us where we have gone off course.
Take a moment to quiet yourself in the presence of Jesus right now. Breathe in the name of Jesus and breathe out any distracting thoughts. When you are ready, ask the Holy Spirit to search the secret parts of your soul and point out any paths you are on that are taking you in the wrong direction. As thoughts come to mind, share them with Jesus and ask for his forgiveness and redirection.
Read Luke 3:7-9 again.
John doesn’t just call for recognition of sin; his challenge is to “prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.”
James, the half-brother of Jesus, echoes this in his letter to followers of Jesus:
“…don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” - James 1:22-25
For the remaining minutes of this time of reflection, meditate on James’ words and then talk openly with Jesus. Be sure to listen as much as you speak.
Is there anything specific that Jesus has invited you to do today?
Will you?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
