“Produce Fruit In Keeping With Repentance!”

“Produce Fruit In Keeping With Repentance!”
In my village if somebody asks you, “Who are you by the way?” It is not as if he wants you to introduce yourself. He is simply inferring that you are a commoner who should not join in the conversation of nobility.
Nobility or commoner we are all equal before God. We were all born naked, whether in the most expensive maternity or in the bushes. Over the years God has continued to stun the world by raising some from grass to grace while bringing some down from grace to disgrace.
Luke introduces the ministry of John the Baptist by introducing some big names who wielded political and religious power at the time. It was “in the reign of Tiberius Caesar – when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of…, his brother Philip tetrarch of…and Lysanias tetrarch of… – during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah…”
God ignored all those with big political and ecclesiastical authority but passed his word through the son of an ordinary priest. Do you think you are a nobody? God has not done with you yet!
John came to proclaim the dawn of a new era! He was just a herald coming to prepare the way for the one through whom “all mankind will see God’s salvation.”
He had this one message which is directed even to us today: “produce fruit in keeping with repentance…” because “the axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire”(3:1-9).
The fact that John came to prepare the people, asking for repentance is proof of how much God loves us and does not want that on D Day anybody should be taken unaware!
There is no neutrality in the race of salvation. You are either in or out! Christ detest those who “are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold…”
Christ says “those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.”
He says further, “Here I Am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat with my Father”(Rev. 3: 14-22).
My friend, we must not grow weary making conscious decisions and taking concrete actions to resist the cravings of our fleshly desires! God’s love for us is unending! As you look forward to commemorating the birth of Jesus may you be reminded that he was born to become the Christ through death for your sake! This he did for you; what have you done for him?
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance!” Let it be seen to be appreciated so that God can take the glory!
We wish you happy Sunday and a blessed day! Peace be with you!