John prophesied a coming fire if people did not produce good fruit. The people were cut to the heart. Arrogance is racked by the truth. Truth exposes the reality of the past and present chosen inadequacies and sins, and the future penalty they bring. Humbled with holy fear, they asked,” What should we do then?” John’s answer was a practical change.
Luke gives three examples of John’s practical change suggestions. First, is sharing an unneeded tunic with those who need one. The selfish nature is to hoard back-ups for potential use, knowing someone in need of help has none. Proverbs 18:1 states, “An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.” Apostle Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Second, John told tax collectors who used their positions of power to extort others’ possessions, “Don’t collect any more than you are required to.” Many today are guilty of the love of possessions, complimenting themselves with the delusion that stealing is wisdom. Here is wisdom: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9)
Third, is practical faith, “Be content with your pay”. Rome allowed occupied nations limited military forces for their leaders’ and tax collectors’ protection. They also may have been constricted light auxiliary non-Jewish Roman troops. Both were known for extortion because their salary would not make them rich.
The basic takeaway is that change is personal and practical more than religious practices and rituals. Take an assessment of my bad practices and habits, and work to replace them with good ones.
