Luke 3:9 Don’t Be Cut Down

“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:9

John the Baptist had grown up and started preaching. He was preparing a way for Jesus to come and start ministering. Some of the words he spoke were very harsh. Here he talks about trees getting cut down.

When a person has a fruit tree that does not ever produce any fruit, he will usually cut it down and get rid of it. Fruit trees that do not produce fruit are worthless. They serve no purpose at all. The entire reason for a fruit tree is for the fruit.

Later Jesus will use the analogy that He is the vine and we are the branches. He will also talk about us producing much fruit. Every person is like a fruit tree that God has planted.

What is the fruit that is supposed to be produced? Humans do not physically grow apples or oranges, or any other fruit on their bodies.

The fruit a believer in Jesus is supposed to produce is the change in their life. Turning away from sin. Showing love to everyone, including their enemies. Having mercy and compassion on others. Having grace for others. Drawing closer to God. Being His witness more.

The good fruit that God is looking for is His fruit in your life.

Many people will believe in Jesus, but never really change. They feel that they can stay the way they are because that is the way God accepted them when they came to Him. Often people state the reason is that is just the way they are.

Are you really living for God? Are you really allowing God to change your life? Are you really looking more and more like Jesus everyday? Are you being God’s fruit tree that produces fruit?

Or are you just going through the motions? Do you just state you believe in Jesus, but not really live for Him? Are you a dead fruit tree, living but not producing any fruit?

I pray today that God will show you ways to produce His fruit; that you will have a change in your heart; that you will produce the fruit that God desires; and that God will use you to build His kingdom.