Taking the Lord’s words seriously and bearing fruit

Taking the Speaking Lord Seriously

We take so many people seriously when they speak to us. We listen to experts, politicians, teachers, superiors, and the voices of this world. But what about when the Lord speaks to us? Do we truly take Him seriously as well?

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks!
(Hebrews 12:25)

The time in which we live must awaken us. Great catastrophes and events are happening everywhere, shaking people and entire nations. What once appeared firm and orderly is now being shaken. But how do we respond to this? Are we becoming more watchful, or do we grow accustomed to everything again after only a short time? The Lord wants to awaken us through all these events.

The Need to Come to Maturity and Bear Fruit

How easily we deceive ourselves with a false sense of security. We say, “The Lord is gracious; everything is fine.” But as soon as it comes to overcoming, being changed, or giving something up in our lives, we draw back. We would rather hear again and again the elementary word about God's mercy and forgiveness (cf. Hebrews 5:11–6:2).

Many people followed the Lord as long as everything was pleasant. But when He spoke about suffering and the way to the cross lay before Him, no one stayed. It is easy to follow the Lord as long as it costs us nothing. But the path to maturity leads especially through exhortation, correction, overcoming, and change.

For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
(Hebrews 6:7–8)

The rain often comes upon the earth. The question is not merely whether we hear God's word, but what that word produces in us. Does it bring forth useful fruit, or only thorns and briers?

Coming to maturity also means being willing to lose something (cf. Hebrews 11:24–26). Yet how do we sometimes react even to a small exhortation? We can hardly bear correction and immediately begin to justify ourselves. But the way we respond to exhortation is an indicator of whether we are coming to maturity.

And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
(Hebrews 13:22)

May we remain watchful this week, hold fast to what we have heard, and be willing to let the Lord change us. Let us not live in a false sense of security, but come to maturity, overcome, and bear fruit for the Lord!