John the Baptist was at the Jordan River, baptizing Jews who came to hear his message of the need for repentance.  His message was pointedly condemning.  His message was warningly loving.  God does that, doesn’t He?  He warns people of the need to repent…because He knows what is coming.  His wrath is against sins.  And people sin against God.  The living God of the Bible used John to get the attention of people in Judea and Jerusalem.

(NASB) Luke 3:7-9 “So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 ‘Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.
9 ‘Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’”

John’s message was one of condemnation which was also a dire warning.  John’s message was not ‘politically correct’.  He didn’t tell the people how good they were.  The living God of the Bible was getting the attention of the people…and He wasn’t subtle.

John’s warning message was to people whom he called “vipers”.  What is a viper?  A poisonous snake, someone who is “Viperous: venomous; spiteful; malicious”.

Repent!…was John’s message.
How are you responding to such a message in the midst of your country’s need?

God’s love gives solemn warning to people, He loves all people.  He loves each one of us enough to warn us of the consequences of not listening and responding to Him.

Repentance is needed today in our world.  Our nations need to repent before the living God of the Bible.  How are you praying for your nation?
You and I need to Listen Up! Wake Up!

Repentance is needed so that we too can “bear fruits in keeping with repentance”.
The fruits: forgiveness, God’s mercy and grace, living eternally in His presence…what others can you think of __________________.

 

Repent! Listen Up! Wake Up!