God's axe

Even 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.’

Luke 3:9

The words above comes from a man named John who was pointing to the coming of Jesus. He was also known as John 'the baptist'.

His message in Luke 3:1-17 focused upon baptism as a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. Going further such was preparing for the coming of Jesus that would change every last thing! For me to better understand what he was thinking about repentance, that literally means to change one's personal direction, it helped me to listen to him. For example, he

• called people to 'bear fruits', that is to act, as repentant people that seek to do as God desires (3:7);
• to realize that just because my parents have a good relationship with God does not mean I have a good relationship with God (3:8-9);
• to be fair and helpdul to other people (3:10-14);
• to know that even when we are 'overloaded' with the good works we perform we are no where near the goodness of Jesus (3:15-17).

I have chosen verse nine above because it is helpful for me to see all of our lives as trimmed by the axe. That is, God uses his 'axe' to help each of us clear out the unloving part of our lives. God doesn't just swing his 'axe' -- we must request such help as we seek to be fully loving. God's axe is our 'natural' conscience that God can sharpen.