Matthew 3:10 – “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Matthew 3:8 + 9 – “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”
John the Baptist was addressing the deplorable state that the church was in. Jesus was entering into the picture as the Light forthcoming to reveal the blindness of the current “church” of the time. The misinterpretation of the promises of God were causing the “church” to fail. The structure of the historical structure was showing evident signs of partiality.
Misuse of power was rampant. Confusion was everywhere. The scribes and Pharisees were mainly descendants of a hierarchy which, for the most part, had no concept of shepherding. They were using persuasive forms of authority employed throughout history to control the ones of less noble title. To keep their hands clean, they thwarted truth, using the ungodly government to accomplish their wishes.
Apostle John cut through the smoke. “Bring forth fruits…” Every non-bearing tree would be thrust into the fire. In today’s world, as in yesteryear, all people-types are represented.
When the Spirit of God descended at Pentecost, and ever since, we have become responsible for our own decisions. We cannot escape this fact. All human beings, at a level that God determines, are called at some time in life. The answer to this call results in a reaction from the evil one, Satan. The Bible teaches that to whom much is given, much will be required. Therefore, as we become aware that we are capable, and responsible, we are simultaneously inclined to justify reasons why we should not want to comply.
Adam, in Genesis 3:12, implies that, even if he had been disobedient in the case of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he thought he could buy some credits. “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” Surely, if God had only refrained from presenting Adam with his wife, Eve, all this could have been avoided!
At the end of the day, we do well to take ownership of our sins. Bring them to the Lord. Ask for pardon and forgiveness. Accept this forgiveness and carry on the journey of life with joy!
