“So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to 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” (Luke 3:7-8).
At first, it seems so offensive, but when sinners sin, are they not lashing out with vitriol? It is sometimes true that people are like a brood of vipers. And then there are those who have religion. Some “vipers” hide behind religion and call their wickedness good in the name of religion. We all need to repent and turn to the Lord. In His mercy, he will get rid of the poison of sin.
Lord, I want to think these words are for others, but they are also for me. I have played the game of religion so that outwardly others think me decent, but You know that I am filled with sin and do not live as You have required me to live. Lead me into repentance so that I learn how to truly live. Raise me to the place where I am able to bear fruit befitting Your presence in my life.
Lord Jesus, You have come into our midst, and we each are where we are. In Your mercy, You heal me of the disease of sin. It will take as long as it takes but help me to look to You and trust in the healing You give. Guide me away from those places where I need to repent and then aid me to repent. Help me to see that You are my Savior and that I cannot gain unmerited favor from any other. Amen.
