Luke 3:7-14
Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. – Luke 3:8
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In our passage today, John the Baptist is calling people to repentance. He is calling out to the ordinary, everyday people in society. People who would walk by in the marketplace, stumbling upon this rugged, wilderness prophet addressing each of them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
Wrath? What wrath? Who is this man who claims to be God’s messenger?
At this point in Israel’s history, God had been silent for four hundred years, ever since the last prophet, Malachi, had heard from Him. And there have been many others who have claimed to be God’s spokesmen but have been exposed as false prophets.
But this man John was different. He wasn’t one of those who promised the overthrowing of Rome to free Israel, nor did he rile up the crowd against their foreign rulers. He simply spoke truth that was already known to God’s people. Those who belong to God would recognise His voice, and John was a true mouthpiece of God.
The Jews were descendants of Abraham, but their lives did not show or prove their spiritual heritage. Perhaps some of them looked more like children of the serpent. Thus, John called the people to examine their lives, to “bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” God does not have any grandchildren. All are either children of God, or not at all.
Do our lives reflect that we belong to God? Or does it look more like we belong to the world?
John then highlights several ways that this “bearing of fruit in keeping with repentance” might look like. Being generous with those in need and those who are hungry. Being honest in only collecting what is right, not more than needed. Being contented with what you have, and not using underhanded means to obtain more.
Simply put, children of God reflect the Father’s generous heart, have integrity, and are contented with God’s provision without coveting more. As children of God, let us not live as the world does, but bear fruit that comes from a secure relationship with our heavenly Father, from whom all good things come.
Reflection:
Is my life bearing good fruit? Or do I need to repent and realign my life to my Saviour once again?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You that You have made me Your child. Forgive me for the times when I have become too comfortable, living my life my own way. Help me to repent and realign my life to Your purposes, that I may bear fruit in keeping with repentance for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Click to read passage
In our passage today, John the Baptist is calling people to repentance. He is calling out to the ordinary, everyday people in society. People who would walk by in the marketplace, stumbling upon this rugged, wilderness prophet addressing each of them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
Wrath? What wrath? Who is this man who claims to be God’s messenger?
At this point in Israel’s history, God had been silent for four hundred years, ever since the last prophet, Malachi, had heard from Him. And there have been many others who have claimed to be God’s spokesmen but have been exposed as false prophets.
But this man John was different. He wasn’t one of those who promised the overthrowing of Rome to free Israel, nor did he rile up the crowd against their foreign rulers. He simply spoke truth that was already known to God’s people. Those who belong to God would recognise His voice, and John was a true mouthpiece of God.
The Jews were descendants of Abraham, but their lives did not show or prove their spiritual heritage. Perhaps some of them looked more like children of the serpent. Thus, John called the people to examine their lives, to “bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” God does not have any grandchildren. All are either children of God, or not at all.
Do our lives reflect that we belong to God? Or does it look more like we belong to the world?
John then highlights several ways that this “bearing of fruit in keeping with repentance” might look like. Being generous with those in need and those who are hungry. Being honest in only collecting what is right, not more than needed. Being contented with what you have, and not using underhanded means to obtain more.
Simply put, children of God reflect the Father’s generous heart, have integrity, and are contented with God’s provision without coveting more. As children of God, let us not live as the world does, but bear fruit that comes from a secure relationship with our heavenly Father, from whom all good things come.
Reflection:
Is my life bearing good fruit? Or do I need to repent and realign my life to my Saviour once again?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You that You have made me Your child. Forgive me for the times when I have become too comfortable, living my life my own way. Help me to repent and realign my life to Your purposes, that I may bear fruit in keeping with repentance for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.