Repent and Be Satisfied with Your Wages – 12 December 2021

Luke 3:7–18

John’s first words take any listener by surprise. “Brood of vipers” in any context is tough stuff. John questions the intentions of those who have gathered for baptism. He is suspicious and for good reason . . .but he does not let that stop him from preaching a good word. No matter your reasons for coming, he contends, here is what I command you to do: bear fruit! John’s stern command is an invitation into a relationship that will demand repentance as well as a life of good works. His reference to Abraham calls forth the common understanding that the covenant with Abraham was considered a guarantee of salvation for all his descendants. John is making it clear that nothing is a substitute for repentance along with changed hearts and practices.

The “crowds” don’t seem to miss a beat. They consist of Jewish leaders at odds with this redemption language as well as others who are more receptive to this prophetic voice. John’s harsh and direct words imply that he will not play favorites among them. It appears as though they will all be judged by the same measure, so they had better listen closely. Three different characters ask John what they should do. They get it. This talk of “bearing fruit” means they are going to have to get out there and do something . . . John gives concrete examples of what each person can do to contribute to the bounty produced through baptism and repentance.

For John, the appropriate response to repentance is the simple act of sharing. Repentance leads to ethical reform. God will see these fruits as will the community at large. One implicit statement John makes in these verses, and arguably the most profound, is that everyone, absolutely everyone, can do something to “bear fruit worthy of repentance.” –– Cynthia D. Weems

Zephaniah 3:14–20

This concluding oracle in Zephaniah celebrates the promise of salvation . . . [while] the prior oracles focus heavily on judgment. Here, the good news of salvation is received with anticipation by a thirsty people of Israel. (It is widely believed that Zephaniah’s prophecies were the first in nearly a century). The people are reminded twice that the LORD is ‘‘in your midst’’ and what the LORD will do is clearly stated. The LORD will rejoice . . . The LORD will bring you home. These are celebratory words in a season of waiting for the one who will enter into our midst with rejoicing, renewal, and exultation. –– Cynthia D. Weems

Philippians 4:4-9

A welcome reminder to rejoice in the Lord begins this brief passage from the epistle to the Philippians. Because the Lord is near, we are called to show forth our “gentleness.” This is a delightful translation of the Greek implying humility, care, and fondness. But an added dose of abundant generosity is needed to carry out the full meaning of the word. How is the Lord ‘‘near,’’ we might ask? To the Philippians, this may have implied a spiritual nearness or, certainly, a physical proximity to the return of Jesus. For us, worshipping in the season of Advent, it is a reminder that indeed the Messiah is near and drawing nearer with each day.–– Cynthia D. Weems

Cynthia D. Weems, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Miami, Florida, is a graduate of Yale Divinity School, has served in missions in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and has led suburban and urban multiethnic churches in the U.S. Her current setting has an extensive outreach to the diverse homeless community in Miami.

Homily Service 43, no. 1 (2009): 23–31.