Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]; Matthew 3:8 AMPC
A few things happened just before the words of today's extract. First, we see the man called John the Baptist introduced into the mainstream of Israel's society. The society knew his father and mother, but I do not think they were prepared for the lifestyle and message choices of this young man. He did not conform to the usual standard of his society, but made a home in the wilderness. And in the event that you thought his location was a fluke, his dress sense and nutrition choices were also pretty unusual.
How does a man who dresses in camel's hair and eats locusts and wild honey attract anyone? Therein is the second lesson: a man with God's message will always command an audience. We know not much about the season of preparation for John the Baptist but when God announced him, the world sat up and took notice. Therein lies the third lesson: don't force yourself on people; let God announce you. When he does, you won't have to shout to be heard; men will take the beaten path to your door to hear what you have been given by God.
It is not a wonder then that many of the Pharisees and Sadducees came to hear him. These were men who resisted truth at all times, but when the clear message of God comes, it comes with conviction. This is the fourth lesson: you can't remain the same when the Word of God comes. It will demand a response from you: either acceptance or rejection. You cannot sit on the fence; even the decision to sit on the fence is itself a decision not to fully commit to God. Have I truly repented? Has that basic work of faith being concluded in me? Until there is repentance, the fruit cannot look like the seed. How can there be fruit if there is no seed?
John knew who was backing him up. He had spent time in private with God, and was not afraid of men anymore. This is the fifth lesson: until you have bowed, knelt or laid before God in private, you will not be able to stand before men. John spoke directly to leaders of men, charging them to stop being hypocrites and start being living proof of what they professed. This is the sixth lesson: it is of no value to only keep speaking about your faith; you have to move to the level where the proof of your faith is seen in your daily living. How would men be attracted to the 'light' if there is really no light?
It is time for some honest stocktaking. There is no room for self-deceit. At least, I must be honest with myself. Is my public life a honest reflection of my private faith life? Am I living out in public what I have confessed in private? Repentance is first an inward work, and then an outward walk, where my new life choices reflect that inner work. True repentance has matching fruit, which means that it is easy to identify a man who has truly repented. Can men look at me and clearly see that I am a child of God? Am I bearing fruit that reflect that truth? May I respond to the grace of God that has brought salvation to all men. There will no excuse if I reject that which had been provided. God's time of favour is here.
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