Bear fruits.

Tonight I was reading in Luke 3 about John the Baptist, and I realized something that I think is very interesting... I am very familiar with the verses about "a voice cries in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord..." because of a song from the Glory Revealed album. However, if you read a little further on and actually find out what he was saying, the first words recorded (in Luke, at least) are "You brood of vipers!" Then he says, "Bear fruits in keeping with your repentance." I mean, talk about a strong message.
Sometimes, I tend to be a little too honest and blunt. Well, some people see it that way (like my mom) and others have said it's their favorite thing about me because you never have to wonder where you stand. I'm not really like John the Baptist - but it's nice to see his boldness in the truth.
And, "Bear fruits in keeping with your repentance."
Whoa.
That's the real deal... There's no question about the interpretation or "what it means to you." Just straightforward direction for the Christian life.

Then, after describing the ministry of John the Baptist, Luke gets into the genealogy of Christ. It interests me to think about how his ministry didn't begin until He was 30. I find myself wondering what He was doing when He was my age. I wonder if He ever longed for the beginning of His true purpose. Or at least, I know I feel that way sometimes...
It puts patience in this season in a whole new perspective. Maybe 24 is pretty young. :)

Oh, and I'll try to write a real update on life this weekend... Just as I expected - school started, and my blogging definitely slowed down. :)