For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Matt. 3
“Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matt. 3:10b). John the Baptist said this to the Pharisees and Sadducees – the religious leaders among the Jews. Ironically, these are the very people who spent their lives studying and ‘obeying’ every jot and tittle of the law. In their eyes, they were more righteous than anybody else in the room. They also thought they were secure because they were descendants of Abraham.
John as good as told these religious leaders that neither their lineage nor their rituals could make them righteous. The “good fruit”, then, had nothing to do with their actions or offspring. “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance”, John said. Repentance starts in the heart. Therefore, “good fruit” is produced in the heart. This may lead to different actions, but can also lead to actions done differently. An apple can look like an apple, but be rotten inside. Thus, those same law abiding actions the religious leaders were so careful to do, such as praying, giving, and bringing sacrifices, would take on a whole different tone because they would be done with a whole different attitude from a changed heart. It would no longer be about the action itself, but would instead be about the purpose of that action.
Num. 23-24
Balaam could only say what God gave him. Pray and ask God to give you words to say to others (see Matthew 10:19-20). Interesting that even Balaam prophesied the coming of Christ. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” (Num. 24:17a).
Prov. 6
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (Prov. 6:20). That statement really hits home with me right now. I see so many youth doing the very opposite of this. They are rebelling against decent parents to their own detriment. They have forsaken the advice and teachings of those who love and care for them the most in favor of destructive lies. It is so sad.
I get that not all parents are good. Some give no teaching at all outside of that by example of how not to live a good life. But if I put this Proverb into cultural context, I am reminded that the Jews were commanded to teach God’s works and His laws to their children and their children’s children. So in a sense, this Proverb is encouraging us to cling to the teachings about the ways and character of God. And that is advice we can all live by.