Roots of Repentance

“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”  Matthew 3:10

The passion of John the Baptist was to preach repentance. As the leaves on a tree indicate which way the wind is blowing, so the Church is a visible expression of the kingdom of heaven moving on earth. The health of the tree (Church) may be monitored by the condition of the leaves or fruit. However, treatment for any sickness in the tree must focus on the ROOTS, its main source of nourishment.

Spiritually speaking, sin also must be dealt with at its ROOT (your heart). When the axe is laid at the UNSEEN root of the tree to bring a cure, the fruit that is SEEN will become good. Fruit is a sign of the tree’s health, but it will not become good simply through polishing or other external care.

Your focus may tend to be toward the external, while God is looking at your heart’s condition. People crusade strongly against visible sin, but God zeros in on the CAUSE (root) of those sins. Will you zero in on YOUR source of nourishment today and consider the condition of your root system? Lay the axe to the problem areas, the unseen areas, and watch your tree become more fruitful.

PRAY: “Merciful Father, help me to focus on scriptural heart purity rather than on righteous behavior. Forgive me of prideful thoughts and evil attitudes, I pray.  In Jesus Name, amen.”