July 29, 2014
The proof isn’t the profession; it’s the produce. The orange tree I planted in my backyard had a prominent label that declared it to be an orange tree, but that wasn’t truly apparent until I picked the first ripe orange from it. The label gave me an idea as to what to expect, but the fruit was the proof.
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it.” (Matthew 21.43)
These unwelcome and harsh words were uttered by Jesus to some Jewish religious leaders; men who should have specialized in all things to do with the Kingdom of God. Truth was, they talked a good talk, but the true evidence was lacking. The kingdom of God was a theological talking point, not a compelling reality.
There are few truths I love more than the kingdom of God. It is the very heart of the life-saving gospel. But, it can easily be just as much a talking point with me as with the Jewish religious leaders. There is an expectation that it will produce certain fruit in my life - and yours. Unless this precious truth changes lifestyle, it is suspect that we have truly received it.
It is a fair question to ask: what does a kingdom citizen truly look like? What characterizes our priorities and activities? What are we DOING and BEING that harmonizes with what we SAY and BELIEVE? Again, the proof isn’t the profession; it’s the produce.
The harsh words uttered by Jesus to the religious leaders had been spoken before - by Jesus’ forerunner, John: “bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can 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. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3.8-10) Profession and spiritual heritage were no guarantee of salvation. There will be fruit to evidence true faith.
May the fruit of the kingdom be abundantly evident in your life today, as you seek first the kingdom in mindset and lifestyle.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it.” (Matthew 21.43)
These unwelcome and harsh words were uttered by Jesus to some Jewish religious leaders; men who should have specialized in all things to do with the Kingdom of God. Truth was, they talked a good talk, but the true evidence was lacking. The kingdom of God was a theological talking point, not a compelling reality.
There are few truths I love more than the kingdom of God. It is the very heart of the life-saving gospel. But, it can easily be just as much a talking point with me as with the Jewish religious leaders. There is an expectation that it will produce certain fruit in my life - and yours. Unless this precious truth changes lifestyle, it is suspect that we have truly received it.
It is a fair question to ask: what does a kingdom citizen truly look like? What characterizes our priorities and activities? What are we DOING and BEING that harmonizes with what we SAY and BELIEVE? Again, the proof isn’t the profession; it’s the produce.
The harsh words uttered by Jesus to the religious leaders had been spoken before - by Jesus’ forerunner, John: “bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can 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. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3.8-10) Profession and spiritual heritage were no guarantee of salvation. There will be fruit to evidence true faith.
May the fruit of the kingdom be abundantly evident in your life today, as you seek first the kingdom in mindset and lifestyle.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 9:24 AM
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