Ever go to a dog park? Dogs are social animals. They easily make friends with people and with other dogs. Their affection for both is obvious. Snakes are a different matter. While some herpetologists may disagree, I cannot imagine snake affection. Would you say, "Awwww, look at the cute little rattlesnake puppies. Let me cuddle one."
Not gonna happen!
In Luke Chapter 3 verse 7, John the Baptist calls the crowd who have come to the Jordan River to be baptized a "brood of vipers." Imagine your pastor beginning his Sunday message by calling the congregation a family of snakes. John was a weird guy -- he dressed weird, ate honey dipped bugs, and lived alone in the Judean wilderness. Yet, John was God's chosen messenger. Verse 2b -- the word of God came to John... God sometimes chooses weird messengers. And He chooses all Christians to carry His Gospel Truth -- even to the snakefolks of this world! No one, not even those dwelling in the dust of the earth, can be overlooked as too low, sneaky, untouchable or frightening to confront with the Gospel. Like us, the crowd that gathered at the Jordan that day knew on some level that in many ways they lived in opposition to God. Convicted, they responded to John-- "Then what shall we do?"
John poured out the word God had poured into him -- "The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; Clothe the poor instead of filling your overfilled closet. (At least give away your excess).
and he who has food is to do likewise. " Feed the poor and gain perspective on your blessed life. Feed the spiritually starving the Gospel that saved you.
12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to." Don't cheat or deceive people for personal gain.
14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely.... Don't bully, steal or lie.
...and be content with your wages." How different would our lives be if we stopped coveting and became instead grateful to and trusting of God for our provision .-- (Philippians 4:10-13) -- for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Stop slithering in the snake pit. Climb out! Shed the skin the world encourages you to wear. Instead, love, give, feed, testify, be content.... and you will find rest in Christ.
