Scripture
8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:8–9
Observation
John the Baptist could see their eyes rolling. The Jews didn’t see a need for repentance because they were sons of Abraham. John discerned the entitlement in the crowd and then declared war on it. This isn’t a cosmetic change it’s a core change to how they live. This isn’t about behavior modification but internal transformation. Their position from history kept them from a position of humility. Jews baptized Gentiles who wished to become Jews (proselytes). The fact that John was baptizing Jews as well was pretty radical as they thought their physical connection to Abraham was enough to establish right standing with God. When we humble ourselves and repent that’s when The Spirit is free to move in our lives and the fruit of repentance becomes obvious to everyone around us. When we see the grace of Jesus in our own lives we can better help others find freedom. We repent then we get real! John got real and his application was a real-time movement from deserving to serving. There’s no room for entitlement in the Kingdom of God! 10The crowds asked, “What should we do?”11John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”12Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”13He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”14“What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” Luke 3:10–14
Application
Equal Employment Opportunity refers to fair, unbiased treatment in the workplace. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against existing or potential employees based on protected characteristics, including: Race / color. National origin / ethnicity. Religion. Sexual orientation. In other words, no one can get fired from their company based on discrimination. This is a really good thing. In a similar way no one can get in to the Kingdom of God without repentance. It’s equal opportunity repentance. It doesn’t matter what race, color, creed, religious background, or sexual orientation we may come from, God sets the rules for His Kingdom followers and this is a very exclusively inclusive value system. I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms, but just like John the Baptist at the Jordan, he prepared the way for Jesus’s arrival through repentance regardless of where people were coming from. Repentance to Jesus is the only way in and our identity can only be found in Him. The fruit of repentance will not just be and abstract statement about our faith but a complete alignment of our lives with God's Word. This flies in the face of our D.E.I. culture that feels entitled to everything and refuses to change anything. Diversity is amazing- every nation, tribe and tongue will be in heaven for those who repent. Equity is only possible if we all see ourselves at the same place- at the foot of the Cross. We are all of us sinners in need of Christ’s saving grace. Inclusion is incredible in that Christ has grafted Gentiles in to His family alongside Jews and has included us in His plan of redemption. However, let us never make the mistake of thinking that somehow we deserve to be here. There’s no room for entitlement in the Kingdom of God! Entitlement changes the focus of my heart from...
“It’s a privilege to serve” to “I deserve”
“Life-long learner” to “Leave me alone”
“What’s the most I can do” to “What’s the least I can do”
“Self-examination” to “Self-preservation”
“God’s will rules” to “Guard my rules”.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the places entitlement has seeped into my heart. Thank You for calling me to Yourself and calling me out of my sin. Thank You Jesus that I no longer have to find identity in what I once was. The fruit of repentance is a changed life. I’m no longer demanding a place, but Im making a space for You to move. I’m no longer shouting in self-defense, but letting You be my defense. I’m no longer looking to be served, but looking for ways to serve everyone, including my enemies, just as You modeled for me. Im no longer trying to win arguments, I’m trying build relationships that lead to repentance. “9Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Glorify God in Body and Spirit.(1 Cor. 6:9-11) Equal opportunity repentance results in equal opportunity freedom!
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