“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” (Luke 3:8)

     While John preached repentance, he asked us not to take the word lightly.  Repentance is something that should be heartfelt and visible.  It involves sorrow for sins and a turning away from wrongdoing toward God.  This is when we not only feel it within, but our words and actions begin to reflect this change. 

     The other point John brings up is that the Jews could not base their faith merely on having Abraham as part of their heritage.  For many of us, if you and I were born into a Christian home, that is a big advantage, but it is our sole decision to invite Jesus into our lives.  Our faith cannot really be forced upon us; it is our free will, and that is something so special about making a choice for Christ, because it comes from the heart.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you search the hearts of the lost and seeking.  Help them to know the genuine faith they can have when they accept you into their lives.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.