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The Spiritual Time Card
Tim Savage7When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3
John saw that many people came to be baptized, not out of love for God or faith in His Son, but to escape the coming judgment. They were ticking off a task on their spiritual to-do list. This angered John because it is the antithesis of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for us. He didn’t have to do what He did, He didn’t have to love us; all that He did, He did sacrificially. All He wants is our faith and love in Him, that brings salvation. We cannot simply punch a spiritual time card that shows that we have done a task – our works will not get us to heaven.
This was convicting this morning because there are times I feel like I am punching a spiritual time card and only giving a half-hearted love and devotion to my King. I do only what I have to do, when I should be doing anything and everything for him, freely and willingly. I need to spend more time remembering all of the blessings and provisions He has bestowed and, more importantly, to remember the sacrifice and gift of salvation, which is undeserved and priceless. When I spend time in the word and listen to Him, then I serve with a willing and excited spirit and heart, gladly doing whatever I can to please Him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your word, which guides, directs and reminds me of Your everlasting gift and promise. May I daily spend time at Your feet, listening to You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
