Matthew 3:7-8 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”
As we heard in Pastor Caroline’s sermon this past Sunday, John the Baptist was quite the character. Clothed in camel skins and a leather belt, partaking in a diet of locusts and wild honey, residing in the Desert of Judea – John carved out an interesting persona. Throngs of people came to see him, and hear him! His message was simple: confess, repent, receive baptism. Clearly there was a spiritual thirst in the regions of Judea and its surrounding territory. The villagers and city-dwellers thronged to this transformative individual, heeding John’s admonitions and departing with newfound hope and transformation.
John the Baptist was welcoming to all, until the arrival of the religious leaders of Israel – the Pharisees and Sadducees. John doesn’t just rebuff them, he calls them vipers! He calls out the hypocrisy of their lives, reminding them that the real proof of a repentant heart is in producing God’s fruit. Where were their deeds of charity? Where was their even-handed justice to those they presided over? Where was grace and forgiveness shown? I’ve been pondering John’s words since yesterday’s sermon. What if we time-traveled John to 2025 and gave him social media? How would John use that platform to relay his message? Would he be inclined to call many of today’s religious leaders a viper? It is interesting to muse about how John would address our modern-day masses!
How do we engage today? Are we not called to right wrongs and call for repentance, just as John preached? Are we not called to be “salt” and to let our collective lights shine in the darkness of repression, prejudice, and scarcity? I can only speak for myself, but I have become increasingly leery of social media. When addressing current issues, chat streams are often nothing more than word vomit. Everyone is essentially screaming their own views. It is difficult to find another person who truly wants to engage with constructive dialogue. John the Baptist’s viper comment would just be one more dig in an unending echo chamber of digs! My heart feels led to work in constructive ways that produce positive change – feed the hungry (meals for Network and our new blessing box), care for those who lack resources (Angel Tree and Hoffman Home gifts, Winter Warmth Drive, Cookies for Kids) and keep a pulse on judicial changes that impact communities (contacting our senators and representatives) – to name just a few options!
Our focus scripture reminds us to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Dear Lord, may we choose words carefully when speaking up is essential, but may our actions speak loudest. May we be become activists for You, humbly and with our own repentance, making an impact on our world as you have commanded.
Blessings to all,
Diana
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