Luke 3:14

“Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, And what shall we do?” So he said to them, Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:14

 Here we have John the Baptist  preparing a way in the wilderness, preaching a very rare message. 3 different kinds of people ask him “What shall we do?” Did they not hear him the first time? And yet, I see 3 different kinds of walks with the Lord. The people: the overall general population. Knowing that they are in the wrong, but afraid to acknowledge it, and turn from their ways. Therefore, no real pursuit has begun.The tax collector: those in a higher position, where wealth and income are there God. So going to God and realizing they are in the wrong strips at their pride. “Go and collect no more then what is appointed to you.” Stop lying and stealing...again no real pursuit has begun. And the soldiers: those who have authority, and are overseers. Have to also learn how to submit to the will of the father.  Each time John gave a different answer, but the outcome was the same. DO NOT, yet go and BE.

   To intimidate is to frighten or overawe. In order to make them do what one wants. The soldiers were the one in authority, the tax collectors, were simply the ones in charge of money, it was easy for them to manipulate and intimidate the people. Of course they were “happy” with life, but they weren't filled. Therefore they sought an answer, to be filled and to be content.

John was simply saying hey! The things you do won't fill you. Your job position, that promotion you get in a week won't make you content, but doing things that Lord calls us to do, Keeping his commandments will. So take care of the people you are around, show love and be satisfied with what you have.

  It's so hard at times to do what the Lord requires of us. To not be jealous, selfish or envious. I don't want to 1) take away from the Lord and 2) take away from others. 3) walk in the flesh.

  Tomorrow I will write “ be content on my forearm “with and all things.” and that's not just on the physical but in the spiritual.