“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
“Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father,” for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“’I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’” Matthew 3:1-2,5-12
John the Baptist was from the womb a forerunner of his cousin Jesus. He understood in ways we cannot who Jesus was and what He was coming to do to free men. In preparation for this gospel, his words to the Pharisees were particularly fiery and pointed, as their very strict religious beliefs and practices were what the Lamb of God would by grace upend. If they wanted to make an appearance to confess their sins and be baptized, they needed to realize just what those sins were and what baptism signified. Identity with Christ required cutting all ties to legalism, pride, and appearance. Identity with Christ meant exhibiting much spiritual fruit. (Luke 1:11-17,76-80; John 1:6-8,23,29-31)
Sometimes the Lord’s voice to His children needs to be harsh. Our depravity and rebel spirits deserve strong condemnation and antidote. We seldom make as much of our sin as God does, and neglect to see how spiritually unstable our depravity and helplessness make us. We need the fire of conviction to get our attention and burn them away forever. What behavior and attitudes we think are alright to coddle and excuse and keep on simmer the Lord says obliterate.
What is our first reaction to God’s call to repent? Do we think that is for others, or another more convenient time? How seriously do we take this prominent teaching for His children? Obsessiveness with particular rituals and strict obedience in certain areas can gloss over a stained, ugly heart or pride. Over-familiarity with the world, comparison with others, and lenience with personal feelings make it hard to recognize and acknowledge sin. When will we take deliberate time to name and confess our sins before Holy God, and receive His cleansing? (Luke 11:4; James 5:16; 1 John 1:8-9)
Dealing with sin immediately as the Lord prompts us makes for a clean conscience and healthy living.
Lord, please expose my pharisaical attitudes and actions, cleanse me thoroughly, and fill me with Your Spirit’s fire.
As the rain and snow 