The Kingdom of God
Most of today's blog was pulled from The Life Application Study Bible 3rd Edition (NIV). This bible is hands down the best studying tool, click the link to purchase you one! Now let's get into this word!
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Back in bible times farming was the principal occupation. Farmers depended directly on the weather for their livelihood. This required them to know when rain was coming and when a drought was on the way. They developed a skill set at interpreting natural signs. (Luke 12:54-59) The farmers were devoted to this skill set and heavily depended on yielding to these signs. However, the signs of the coming of God's Kingdom was being ignored. Today, there are still so many signs that we are living in the last days. How do you respond to the signs? Do you allow them to frighten you or to prepare you? We don't know the day, or the time, but we know it's coming. The last thing I want is for my brothers and sisters to be left behind. Pay attention to the signs, let them help you in preparing for the coming of Jesus. How else can we prepare?..By repenting. In Luke 13, Jesus called the people to repent for their sins, but they were so focused on how people died. Jesus let it be know that how people leave this world isn't important but repenting is. I believe he highlighted this to show the importance of eternal life. (John 3:16) We all have a chance at eternal life, but repentance is one of the many things that can keep us from it. We move as if we have all the time in the world. Don't let the door close on you. (Luke 13:25) Death does not have to be the last word, take heed to the signs, repent, and be ready when the door opens.
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Jesus then begin to share a parable with them about a tree bearing fruit. (Luke 13:6-8) The main point of this parable was to show the listeners what happens when we don't produce fruit or have lack of productivity. God has given all of us skills, gifts, and talents. (Exodus 35:30-35 & Exodus 36:1-5) He wants us to use those things to advance his kingdom, if not, he will take them aways from us; Just like the fig tree would be cut down if it didn't bear fruit. (Luke 13:9) (1 Peter 4:10-11) (Matthew 25:28–30) The time that we do have here on earth, we must use it wisely. The work of the Lord cannot go undone. Use what God has given you to advance his Kingdom!