Matthew chapter 3 verses 7-9 (NIV)
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.”
Philippians chapter 2 verse 12 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
I’m sure that some of the religious leaders of the time would have been genuinely curious about the ministry of John the Baptist. Some would also have felt the presence of God as he preached, and have come to a place of repentance, others were just out to protect their own position. John was clear that those who claimed they wanted to repent had to prove they were genuine by producing fruit. It wasn’t enough to say they wanted to change. Neither was it sufficient to rely on what their ancestors had done. They had to stand on their own two feet.
God knows our hearts and our thoughts. He wants us to do more than make a new year’s resolution for the year ahead. He wants obedience and persistence that will last beyond January.
As we go into the year, although we have to work our own salvation with fear and trembling, we have the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit to make it possible. Let’s do it!
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You’re not asking me to do something that’s not achievable. Make we willing to be persistent and obedient to Your will right through this year and to follow the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.