"About-Face!"

"About-face" is a drill command used for directing a soldier or unit of soldiers to make a 180 degree turn. It is to bring about a facing of the opposite direction to the one formerly faced. When our life is going the wrong direction, that is exactly what we need to do; make an "about-face."

As John the Baptist was fulfilling his mission of preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus, he went through all the region of the Jordan "proclaiming a BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE for the forgiveness of sins." ( Luke 3:3 ESV) As many came out to be baptized by him, John urged them to "Bear fruits in keeping with REPENTANCE". ( Luke 3:8 ESV) The Greek word translated REPENTANCE is from "metanoia" which refers to a CHANGE of mind or repentance. It is always used in the New Testament of a CHANGE for the better. This CHANGE of mind involves not only the turning away from sin, but also a turning to God. It is descriptive of a CHANGE of life direction. [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words] In a sense it is the act of making an "about face" in life.

CHANGE was the expectation and it appears many understood that as they came to John. This is clearly indicated in the questions some asked as they responded to his preaching. We read. . .
"(10) And the crowds asked him, 'WHAT THEN SHALL WE DO?' (11) And he answered them, 'Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.' (12) Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, 'Teacher, WHAT SHALL WE DO?' (13) And he said to them, 'Collect no more than you are authorized to do.' (14) Soldiers also asked him, 'And we, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.'" ( Luke 3:10-14 ESV)

In considering these three responses we can see life CHANGE was to be reflected in a proper focus away from self to others, honesty and integrity, being just in dealing with others, and learning contentment. Such is often contrary to the manner in which the world approaches life, which probably marked the lives of these individuals before they responded to the teaching of John.

Having been baptized into Christ, do we recognize the same thing? Has there continued to be a CHANGE in our life direction? Baptism into Christ is more than just a ritual of being immersed in water. It is more than just getting wet. Baptism into Christ brings one into contact with His blood that cleanses and sanctifies us. Thus having become identified with Christ, baptism and REPENTANCE go hand in hand (note Acts 2:38) as also signaling the CHANGE of direction and practices in our life. If we are in Christ -- having made an "about-face" -- let us march on in the truth and righteousness of the Lord.

Have a great day KEEPING LIFE TURNED AND MOVING GOD'S DIRECTION!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Repentance