Advent 2024 - Day 20

Day 20: Friday, December 20, 2024
Primary Scripture: Luke 3:14
Supporting Scriptures: Proverbs 16:8; Colossians 3:23-24

Today's story is much like yesterday - people we should expect to be upright often misbehave.  When it comes to those in judicial authority it can be exceptionally harmful.
On a visit back home last year, i was surprised to see a street named after a police officer I did not have fond memories of.  It wasn't anything I did!  (I was boringly good). However, a few of my friends  had  run ins with this particularly overzealous police officer.  They were wronged,  became jaded, then I became jaded, and it took a long time to trust that particular police department again.  Power and authority is easy to abuse.

I wish that police officer had understood John’s message to the soldiers in Luke 3:14.  It is striking in its simplicity: “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” His words call them to live with honesty, fairness, and contentment. For soldiers, repentance meant resisting the temptation to misuse their power and instead honoring God in their work.

Proverbs 16:8 reminds us that “better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” Similarly, Colossians 3:23-24 calls us to work with sincerity, as if we are working for the Lord rather than for human beings. Repentance is not just about how we relate to God; it is also about how we live and work in the world. Yes, in between the Sundays can be difficult!

As we reflect on John’s message, let us consider how we approach our work and responsibilities. Are we honest and fair in our dealings? Are we content with what God has provided, or are we driven by greed and dissatisfaction? This Advent, let us strive to live with integrity and to honor God in all that we do.

Let's Pray:
Lord, help us to live with honesty, fairness, and contentment. Teach us to honor You in our work and to resist the temptations of greed and dishonesty. May our lives reflect Your righteousness, and may we always remember that we are serving You in all that we do. Amen.