Multitudes of people heard John’s message. How amazing is the grace of GOD that HIS WORD should reach the heart of sinners. But this message also comes with a warning, he tells them that they should not just repent to escape from judgement but live out the life of repentance. John calls these people offspring of vipers!! What a shocker! But that is the truth, after human race fell into sin we have all become like the serpent in the garden lying, cheating and deceiving others selfishly. We have these characterises inborn in us and no matter how hard we try, we can never change this character in us. The multitudes thought since they were the offspring of Abraham, GOD would spare them. But the actual truth? They were the offspring of the vipers. John continues to say that your actions would reflect whose offspring they were. Though these people were physical descendants of Abraham, they were not spiritually and GOD looks at our heart.How can these offspring of vipers turn into Abraham’s offspring? In v.8 John says that GOD is able to turn stones into Abraham’s children. GOD alone can change our heart of stone into a heart that beats for HIM. The multitudes, tax collectors and soldiers asked him what they could do to bear fruits to prove that they were children of Abraham, John told them about righteous deeds and ultimately pointed them to GOD who alone can change the heart of stone and make us righteous like HIMSELF!!
Self reflection:
1. Does hard truth from GOD lead you towards repentance?
2. How thankful are you for the hard truths?
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