Jan 4, 2017 - Matt 3
Every tree that does
not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matt 3:10
Salvation is by
belief and lordship is by action --- Show our faith by our actions today
Ever cared for a fruit tree?
They are difficult trees to manage.
Fruit trees require consistent water and good soil, the area around the
tree should be tended, and the branches trimmed for maximum fruit
production. They are best used for creating
fruit, not for climbing or shade. And
unless you like piling up their leaves in the fall … they are a messy option
for your yard. But, if you like their
fruit, they can be a great joy during harvest season.
God made men similar to fruit trees. He designed us to grow best using his
resources, for the purpose of producing tasty fruit for the owner. Yet some people want the water &
nutrition of God in their lives, but don’t want to be bothered with fruit
production. Some want God to bless them
with grace & mercy, but not be responsible for obedience & service to
His Kingdom. They want to be saved for
eternity, but not make Him Lord of the present.
John the Baptist called people to repentance – which wasn’t
just feeling sorry for their sins. He
called them back to the life God designed them to live, by turning away from sin
and embracing righteousness. God isn’t
impressed with good intentions, He wants people to match His holy image. So John called men to turn back to that life
before the Messiah arrived – or face the burning guilt and judgment of
God.
Jesus died to be our Savior, but He lives to be our
Lord. Salvation comes with
Surrender. We must be His tree and
produce fruit in our lives – the fruit of obedience that fulfills His purpose. Men don’t demonstrate
their faith simply through words, they demonstrate faith through their actions
& behaviors.
Question: What are
your behaviors revealing about your faith today? Are they the fruit God expects you to be
producing? What one change (repentance)
do you need to make to start producing that fruit again?
Don’t let your life become kindling, produce the fruit your
tree was designed for.
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