“John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.9 The ax 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.” Luke 3.7-9
John’s words are not gentle. He does not beat around the bush and calls them a brood of vipers. He asks who warned them about the coming wrath and judgment, as people are showing up, confessing sins, and being baptized. God is beginning an awakening and drawing people to Himself.
John tells them to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance,” because “the ax is already at the root of the trees.” If Israel does not repent and return to the Lord, they will be cut down; God’s blessing and hand of favor will leave them.
John brought a serious word to the people. In preparing the way for Jesus, he calls them to repent, turn from sin, and turn to God. He reminds them about producing good fruit and that the promise to Abraham to multiply and be blessed can return. However, if they do not return, they will be passed over—“cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Today in America and across the globe, God is stirring something new. Young people, including Gen X, are returning to church. They are seeking the Lord, stirring with the hope of revival, and repenting of sin. What was happening with John was an awakening as Jesus was soon approaching. Perhaps another great awakening is stirring, and people will again return to Christ, repent of sin, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
For those of us who are “in Christ,” we must remain faithful. We must take “every thought captive” and seek holiness and purity. We must worship, pray, and serve as Christ would serve. And we can call upon God to awaken our souls, our neighbors, and our world.
I am seeing this awakening through Revive and Truett. They are different but also similar instruments used for His glory to raise up and train a generation of people who want to glorify His name. It is not unlike God to birth large movements through small ideas placed within the minds of His people.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of His plan to redeem humanity. What an honor and privilege to see transformation before our very eyes!
“O Lord God, that You would invite any of us to be a part of Your plan is nothing short of extraordinary. I praise You for Your loving kindness and for inviting us to be a part of Your plan. Come now, Holy Spirit, help us prepare the way so others might come to know and love Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen