What Blocks You From God’s Love?
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: Luke 3:7-18
The message of John the Baptist in Luke 3 is striking in its simplicity: prepare for the coming of the Messiah by living with integrity in your ordinary life. His call to repentance isn’t about grand gestures or heroic acts; it’s about aligning our daily lives with God’s goodness—sharing what we have, practicing honesty, and treating others with kindness.
This ordinariness is profoundly transformative. As John the Baptist emphasized, repentance clears the way for Christ to work in our lives. Sin doesn’t drive Jesus away from us; rather, it makes us hesitant to approach him. Like a stain on a favorite shirt at a fancy party, our sin can make us self-conscious and keep us from fully engaging in the relationship Jesus offers.
As we prepare for Christmas, John’s message reminds us to examine our hearts. Are there areas of our lives where we need to turn back to God? Are there habits, attitudes, or sins that keep us from fully embracing the joy and grace of Christ’s presence? By tending to the “tomato sauce” in our lives, we can greet Jesus with open hearts and experience the extraordinary in our ordinary.
This season, may we embrace the opportunity to make straight the paths of our daily lives so that we are ready to meet Christ with joy and gratitude.
Reflection Questions
What in your daily life needs to be made straight to prepare for Christ?
How does the simplicity of John’s message challenge your understanding of repentance?
What areas of your life feel like “tomato sauce” stains that you hesitate to bring to Jesus?
How can ordinary goodness in your life reflect God’s transformative work this season?
What practical step can you take today to embrace repentance and prepare your heart for the Messiah?
