Luke 3 - What then shall we do?

Background Photo: Papillon Marketplace & Cafe Papillon

Luke 3

“Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.” Fulfillment of prophesy...the one crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord is here.

Many are coming to be baptized. But what now?

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance,” he says. “Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

“What then shall we do?” the multitudes ask John the Baptist. The ordinary people. Poor. Oppressed.

“What then shall we do?” the tax collectors ask the same. The wealthy, often via means of extortion.

“What then shall we do?” the soldiers also chime in. The strong and powerful. The bullies and oppressors.

Repentance puts us all on the same playing field. Three vastly different backgrounds and social statuses, one unifying question upon repentance: what then shall we do?

The response differs for the different groups, but they all relate to possessions. How we covet our possessions and possessions of others; how we use our power; how we use our influence; how we treat those around us, those less fortunate.

To the poor among the crowds: if you have an extra tunic, share it with one who has none. Likewise, if you have food. What little you have, share even that.

To the tax collectors: collect no more than is authorized. Don’t cheat. Deal fairly in business.

To the soldiers: don’t extort money by threats and false accusations; be content with what you have. Use your power wisely.

Real repentance – real faith – leads to action. Loving our neighbor where we are with what we have. Treating people fairly. Contentment over coveting.

What then shall we do?

The specific answer will differ for all of us, but will likely relate to how we use our possessions, power, and influence.

It will no doubt fall along the lines of, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

It will be undeniably be rooted in the greatest commandments… to love God and love our neighbor.

What then shall we do? In your places of work, circles of influence, and opportunities that present themselves, how do you respond?

This week I’ve been thinking and praying with @jesuscoffeemomlife about how to help Papillon Enterprises raise money for their café (Cafe Papillon). The café helps support Papillon’s ministry focusing on orphan prevention through job creation in Haiti. They love beautifully and sacrificially on these people in Haiti. In order to meet the growing demands of the cafe there are two very specific needs they have: to repair their roof and to invest in the necessary industrial size equipment to serve the volume of guests they are receiving. The total cost will be somewhere around $15,000-$20,000 and this investment will help to make them SELF-SUSTAINABLE in the future.

If orphan prevention, Haitian families, and tackling something BIG is on your heart, visit their page (Papillon Enterprises ) or message me and let’s brainstorm. Click here for the donation link.

Stay tuned...I'm thinking and praying about creative ways to help!

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Cafe Papillon supports Papillon Enterprises in their mission of orphan prevention through job creation in Haiti.

Follow Cafe Papillon on Instagram here.
​Follow Paillon Marketplace on Instagram here.