Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. (Luke 3:8)

John, the Baptist, prophet of the Highest, was an extremely eccentric man.  He did not minister in the temple or synagogue, but in the solitude of nature.  His clothing does not include robes and fringes, but skins of a camel.  Yet, multitudes came to hear his message - "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:2)  

The words of John upset the Jews who believed they enjoyed God’s special favor simply because they were of the lineage of Abraham.  In God’s court, it is the character and not genealogy that counts.  

Repentance is not a popular Bible topic.  Folks want to hear about faith and love, but when repentance is proclaimed there is no middle ground.  Some reject resulting in condemnation.  Others are convicted to salvation.  The sinner’s only way to God is a change of heart that loathes sin’s ugliness and yearns for God’s holiness.

True repentance will manifest itself in proper behavior.  Those who were “rich” were to share with those who had nothing.  The tax collector must learn to be honest and just.  Soldiers were to be civil.  If sorrow for sin is genuine, it will cause one to immediately work on changing his lifestyle.

John was one the world’s greatest preachers.  He was clear and precise.  He demanded action. His message could not be ignored.  He did not pontificate in the realm of generalities and subtleties, but in decisive living.

If one is truly convicted through genuine repentance, and in baptism gives their life to Jesus, the sinner will come out of the water to a new and living way. (Acts 2:38)  What about you?

By George Slover

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. (Psalms 84:10-11)

It would be difficult to find a more intense expression of devotion in all of the Old Testament than the one above.  To prefer a day in God’s court over a thousand elsewhere would be considered a strange desire to many.  Few would sympathize with such a fanatic.  Even good people might relegate such an expression to a madman!  The language here is an expression of one who greatly delights in God.  

What is the source of his joyful devotion?  First, there is the joy of praise. “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth”. (Psalms 34:1) Second, there is the joy of communion with God.   “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”. (Psalms 23:1)  Third, there is the joy of fellowship with God’s people- the common prayer, the harmonious praise, and the sharing of a common salvation.  Fourth, there is the joy of service- the privilege of opening the door of God’s kingdom as a refuge to the lost, and a place of consolation for believers.

Unfortunately, there are others who would deem such service as “weariness”. (Malachi 1:13)  To them, a sense of duty exceeds a sense of privilege, and obedience means constraint rather than joy!  Joyless service is neither profitable nor acceptable.  What a disappointment to the Father when his children take no delight in drawing near to him!

Here is a challenge for you the reader.  Which truly brings delight?  Which truly has your heart’s devotion?  Is it God’s service or the world?

By George Slover

By George Sl

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Then the king said to Zadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. "But if He says thus: 'I have no delight in you,' here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him." (2 Samuel 15:25-26)

After David’s sin with Bathsheba, he was confronted by Nathan, the prophet.  David accepted the blame for his transgression.  Nathan promised David the “sword would not depart” from his house.  The days following were dark times in David’s household.  However, the words above demonstrate David’s full acceptance of the sin he has committed and the consequences to follow.  David placed his future in the hands of God.

In this context, trouble came to David’s house in the form of his own son.  Absalom gained popularity with the people and was ready to seize the throne.  It became apparent that David’s life was in danger, thus he and his followers left Jerusalem.  Included in the procession is Zadok, the priest with the Ark of the Covenant.  However, David urges Zadok to convey the Ark back to the city confident that if it is God’s will he will see it again.

From a human viewpoint, it might seem unfair that God would allow one as vain as Absalom to humiliate a godly man like David.  Yet, there is not a word of complaint from David.  He readily placed his life in the hands of a just God.  He knew the Lord reigns in righteousness and would perform only what was best.

Life often brings adversity.  Sometimes it is because of our poor choices, as was the case of David.  On other occasions, it may come because of the neglect or sin of others.  Many tragedies seem inexplicable.  “Why did this happen to me?”  Yet, often our greatest virtues grow out of such adversity.  It is during these times we may acknowledge our unworthiness and need for God’s mercy.

What a remarkable attitude in David!  “He will”, if He “delights” in me.  There is not an ounce of selfishness or bitterness here.  God is over all and can do all!  It’s in God’s hands; he will do what is best.  Peter says: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)  

George Slover