Luke 3:8 –
Prove 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.
This chapter focuses on John the Baptist and his life. Luke recalls Isaiah 40:3-5, which talks about John announcing Jesus’ coming. That in itself is real interesting to follow since Isaiah references John some 700 years earlier. Now as John is “shouting in the wilderness” he calls out the Jewish people who are resting on their lineage and not on their relationship with God. I am sure there are many faithful Jewish during that time who lived by the law and trusted in God, but John was focusing on the ones just going through the motions.
We look at that in today’s church and see the same thing, people who are more fans than followers of Jesus. When pressed by someone doubting their resolve crumbles, partially because of lack of a Biblical base, but also from doubt. I mean think about all the stories in the Bible and how many seem far-fetched. John was asking that question to the Jewish people and he could ask it today of many Christians. Problem with faith is it’s difficult to maintain a foundation unless you have some facts.
Let’s jump forward to Jesus’ resurrection. Here Jesus comes back to life three days after his crucifixion. We must believe that in faith, but look back at the facts. First no one denies Jesus lived, both Jews and Muslims talk about Him. Second, if Jesus did not rise from the dead wouldn’t the Romans who had guards on the tomb come up with the body? And finally everyone who was preaching the story of the resurrection was eventually put to death. How many of you would DIE for a lie? Sure we live in faith, but can rest that the understanding of many facts helps keep it strong! Don’t have John call you out for being lazy in your faith.