What Jesus Did! 'A Call to Turn' — Luke 3:3

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
— Luke 3:3 NLT

Key Thought

John came to prepare the way for Jesus. [1] For that to happen in most people's lives, they had to reorient their priorities and values. In other words, they needed to make a U-turn in their lives and go in the opposite direction — no longer living by their own instincts and values, but living based upon God's will. One of the biggest problems with postmodern secular culture is that some people are arrogant, believing they can decide their own way and choose their own path based upon what seems right to them. For true conversion to take place, for real salvation to come, there has to be both a surrender of this personal arrogance and a genuine turning to God. John preached this message with personal integrity. Do you live your life based upon God's will for you? Are you committed to obeying his will? Or, are you still trying to live based on what seems right to you? You see, repentance isn't just about being sorry for the mistakes, wrongs, transgressions, sins, or hurtful things you've done; it's about turning from them to God and living by God's holy standards. Our own ways are flawed and destructive. Without doing the things of God, we will invariably find ourselves doing things that hurt others and ourselves. Let's turn our hearts and lives fully in the direction of God!

[1] Luke 1:13, 17.

Today's Prayer

Forgive me, dear heavenly Father, for so often seeking things based upon my own will and wisdom. Humble me gently and turn me to your ways. I know your will for me is life and blessing, so I renounce my own ways as destructive and selfish and seek to turn my will fully over to you. Bless me with the power of your Spirit to do so more and more as I seek to serve, honor, and obey you each day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Proverbs 16:25
  • 2 Corinthians 7:10
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 3:3 NLT — Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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