Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Life with justice
Luke. 3:7-14
 “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." (Lk.7:9)

John the Baptist was a voice "crying in the wilderness". He was like the herald who went before the royal procession to make sure the roads were ready for the king. Spiritually, the nation of Israel was living in a "wilderness" of unbelief, and the roads to spiritual reality were twisted and in disrepair. The corruption of the priesthood and the legalistic hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees had weakened the nation spiritually. The people desperately needed to hear a voice from God, and John was that faithful voice. He rebuked their sins and announced God's salvation, for without conviction there can be no conversion.
Spirituality without  Justice is like tree without fruits: John is also compared to a farmer who chops down useless trees (Luke 3:9) and who winnows the gram to separate the wheat from the chaff. Like some "religious sinners" today, many of the Jews thought they were destined for heaven simply because they were descendants of Abraham. John reminded them that God gets to the root of things and is not impressed with religious profession that does not produce fruit in the last judgment
John’s message was about a life that gives emphasis to the spiritual life with justice. Spirituality without justice is meaningless and fruitless in the sight of God. So the spirituality is something that always goes with justice.
Spiritual life in a secular society: We live in a world which is ruled by corruption in all spheres of life. Even in many places the so called spiritual and religious life is controlled by injustices and corruption. In this context John the Baptist is inviting us for a life with justice that guarantees the distribution of wealth, a life without any cheating or malpractices, and a life that is totally free form corruption. So spiritual life and public life should not be separated in our day today lives.  John not only preached about this but practiced it in his life. That is why he had to end his life in an early age. When he confronted the injustice which was done by the ruler he knew that his life will be in danger. But he still practiced a life with justice. God is inviting us to lead a life that is ruled by justice and promotes justice.

 Prayer. God of justice, give us the courage to lead a life of justice.

Rev. V. M. Mathew, NY



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