“What shall we do?”
Scripture reading for March 6: Luke 3
“. . .during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. . . .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 false accusation, and be content with your wages.”” Luke 3:2-3, 10-14
When the time was right, John the Baptist received the Word of God in the wilderness. He responded by preaching as instructed a call to repentance and water baptism for all for forgiveness of sins. As the people heard the message, they asked John specifically what repentance would look like for them. To each inquirer, John gave a specific answer as the Word of God came to him. We might call John’s answers a “Word of knowledge given through the Holy Spirit.” Each person then had the opportunity to respond to the instructions and submit to water baptism as an act of faith that they had repented and received cleansing.
As we ponder John’s ministry and also that of Jesus and His disciples, we can see that as the Word of God is preached and declared, the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and our need of righteousness and of the coming judgment on unforgiven sin. We know our own guilt and also cry out to God for mercy and a new pathway of obedience. Repentance is more than being sorry for sin. Repentance asks God for mercy and then sets a new direction of obedience and faith in God’s Word. What we once did as the world, we now have turned from and do what God helps us to do through the Word and Holy Spirit.
Have you ever heard God’s Word preached and experienced conviction of sin? What was your response to the conviction? Did you ask God, “What then shall I do?”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing Word and those that You have called to proclaim it. Thank You for the example of John the Baptist and his ministry. Empower me daily to share Your Word with those You send me to. May they ask “What then shall we do?” as the Holy Spirit draws them to godly sorrow and repentance. Amen.
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