Subscription Lists
Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 3, we have been giving serious consideration to the appearing of John and the content of his preaching. In verse 10, we read of the people wondering what they should do in the light of what John had been saying. What should we do then? People always want to do something. People react. They either repent or explode! Do not just believe – do something positive and practical. John told them what to do, not just what to believe.
John speaks about being responsible in society, and sharing with those in need. Here is a highly relevant message to those of us who are so very rich in material goods and possessions. I recall a missionary from India coming to speak to us and one sentence which has remained with me is this – “If you have a bank account and a credit card then consider yourself very rich indeed compared with millions of others in the world!”
Verse 12. Another group of sinners - TAX-COLLECTORS - who were well known for lining their pockets – came to John asking, “Teacher, what should we do?” Take no more than you are supposed to. Now, this would have been a very real sign that a man’s life had been transformed. They were to cease immediately from this attitude of greed and corruption.
Then some soldiers came to John wanting to clean up their lives and John spoke plainly to them. Don’t extort money. Don’t exercise your authority wrongly. It was so easy for those Roman Soldiers to BULLY. Don’t bully. Don’t throw your weight around. Don’t intimidate people. We hear so much about bullying today, in schools and in the workplace. Teaching this with the authority of God’s anointing upon you and the problem will be addressed. Many do not realise that the Word of God deals with this current bullying issue which is serious in so many places. Don’t falsely accuse anyone, and, be content with your pay. How often do we hear that today? We hear much about 'passion' today. This passage is packed with spiritual passion.
When God’s Word comes to people there have to be changes, which are visible and seen. Notice, John never said anything about these soldiers leaving the army, and remembers they were an occupying force.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Word from Scotland" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.