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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
As we study these three very specific groups who came to John in Luke Chapter 3, saying “sorry” is not enough. We have to amend our ways, and there is something here which everybody can do.
Verse 15. Some got it all very wrong. That is all right provided it is corrected.There were those who thought that this was the CHRIST. John answered with such modesty.
Verse 16. I can only do so much for you. I can only deal with the past. There is one coming who will not only deal with your past but He will also equip you for the future. We need both ministries. He who is coming will baptise with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Fire speaks of intensity. Fire would burn out sin and purify. Fire spreads, and fire is not a toy to be played with. When this flame burns there will be a new desire for worship, praise, fellowship and prayer. We are seeing birthed here, zeal, dedication, loyalty, commitment and compassion. These cannot be counterfeited. I am told that a counterfeit £5 note can be detected just by the touch.
Verse 17. Chaff will be blown away, leaving what nourishes. This speaks of division. John’s message disturbs and is disturbing, as he speaks of throwing grain up into the air.
The wind blows away the chaff, leaving the wheat, and the chaff is burned in unquenchable fire. These are strong searing piercing penetrating challenging words.
Verse 18. John preached other things, which we do not have. But there is this powerful call to moral living. Here is a call to sort things out and clean up your lives. Getting ready for Jesus involves repentance, and that is good news.
Verse 19. This moral word upset Herod. The news of John message and popularity rippled out across society. Herod decided to lock up John in prison. Herod became harder. Preaching as John did involved paying a high price. There came that point where Herod could take no more of this preacher's preaching.
The choice is repent and confess, or react and explode in anger and rage. If you cannot tame him lock him up. John is silenced, imprisoned, and ultimately beheaded. John paid for his ministry with his life. The same light which gives light to some, casts shadows elsewhere.
And at this significant moment Jesus walks on to the scene. Prepare for the coming of Jesus by getting rid of your sin and sins.
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.
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