2nd Tuesday of Advent (December 9). Bear worthy fruit

Prepare to listen.  Messiah will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
 
Prayerfully Read Matthew 3:7-10
7But when he [John] saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  8Bear fruit worthy of repentance.  9Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.  10Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 
 
Prayerfully Wonder and Reflect
What do you think “fruit worthy of repentance” looks like?
 
It was John’s task to prepare the Messiah’s way, and he had a very clear picture of what Messiah would need—repentance.  Therefore, he had no hesitation about boldly rebuking the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them “a brood of vipers” and warning them to “bear fruit worthy of repentance.”  Half-hearted repentance to gain popularity or help them avoid “the wrath to come,” was unacceptable, and not preparation for Messiah.
 
John’s message was neither comforting nor user-friendly.  “He spoke of a fire that would blaze, an axe that would chop down the tree.”[1]  It reminds us that Jesus came into the world to execute God’s judgment and restore all creation to what God intends it to be.  It’s easy to forget this as we sentimentalize Christmas, focusing on a baby in a manger, shepherds, angels, magi, and, of course, gifts under the tree.  John’s words force us to face reality.  Jesus came to bring judgment because God is a good God and thus evil, sin cannot be in his presence.  We prepare for his coming through a repentance so radical everything changes.  Repentance literally means turning around and going the opposite direction, the way of Jesus.  Since true repentance bears good fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, people will see and experience God’s goodness through us.  Repentance isn’t a once-off act, but a regular practice.
 
What evidence is there in your life of fruit worthy of repentance?
 
Prayerfully Respond
Lord Jesus Christ, today I confess that I have sinned against you in so many ways.  Right now, I name these ways … (add your known sins).  I name them to you because you are the one who shows mercy and forgives.  Thank you for giving me the Spirit so that I can change direction where it’s needed.  Amen.
 
Live Obediently.  Bear fruit worthy of repentance.
[1] Wright, N. T.  Matthew for Everyone, Part I.  Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.  2004, p. 18.