Read: Luke 3:9-14
Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (v. 9)
For those in the United States, today is Thanksgiving Day. Whether you have much or little, you have something to be thankful for. You are alive. God offers you hope. I trust that you have people in your life that you care about and who care for you. What are some things that you’re grateful for, and how can you express gratitude to God today?
In Luke 3, John the Baptist is preaching and preparing the people. In Luke’s account, the people are cut to the heart by John’s call to repentance and ask him, “What then shall we do?” (v. 10). The response in verses 11-14 includes a call to share food and clothing. He tells tax collectors not to over collect and soldiers not to extort money and accuse people falsely. Sounds a lot like Jesus saying, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:20), and James saying, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).
It’s one thing to express gratitude, it’s another to live with gratitude. If you’ve been forgiven through Jesus’ atoning work on the cross, how can you best live as a forgiven follower of Jesus? Consider what you might generously share, how you can assist others, and how you can live with humility and gratitude. For Christians, every day is a day to give thanks!
As you pray, thank God for his blessings and ask him to provide opportunities for you to be a blessing to others.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
