In Matthew 7:15-20 (TEV) Jesus tells us, "Be on your guard against false prophets; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves. ¹⁶ You will know them by what they do. Thorn bushes do not bear grapes, and briers do not bear figs. ¹⁷ A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a poor tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ And any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. ²⁰ So then, you will know the false prophets by what they do." ...

We don't have figs growing around where I live, but we do have some grapes.  What we really have in this area of Wisconsin is apples--apple orchards galore!  My parent's last place of residence in Wisconsin (before retiring to Florida) was out in the country--basically an apple orchard that they built a house in the midst of. So, I know apples when I see them; that's for sure.

My folks retired to Florida.  One of the things my father loves best about their Florida residence is the fruit trees in the yard ... and in the neighborhood (he picks some while taking his morning walks).  He has a lemon tree, I know.  And, he's had orange trees or a variety of.  Again, because of this background, I've had some experience with fruit trees.

One thing I've discovered is this: Whatever kind of a tree it is, that's what kind of fruit should be hanging off of its branches in season.  So, here's my question, in light of Jesus' words above: Why are there so many in this world who claim the Christian faith, yet by their daily actions--especially the way that they treat others--look very little like the root who is supposed to nourish them?  Another way of asking it is this: Why are their oranges hanging off the apple tree?  It just doesn't make sense, does it?  And yet, isn't this exactly what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 7?  It seems that we are living in the midst of those days...

O.K., one more question as it relates to false prophets ... or those whose lives seem contrary to the life they verbally claim: Where's the LOVE?  If I'm reading my scripture correctly (1 Corinthians 13, for example), LOVE is the greatest witness to the presence of God's Spirit within us.  So, here we go again: Where's the LOVE?

Jesus follows up his little talk about false prophets with this, from Matthew 7:21 (TEV): "Not everyone who calls me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do."  Loving others--all others, unconditionally--is what our Father in heaven wants us to do.  How is that playing out in our lives?  Are there oranges hanging off the apple tree ... or apples?

Until next time,

Rom