A farmer thought that a peach orchard would be the best use of his property. So he diligently studied peach farming and planted the perfect variety for his location. He pruned, cultivated, fertilized, and sprayed his peach trees at the correct times. Then, confident that he had done everything just right, he waited for the first harvest.

The first year the trees bloomed beautifully. However, a late frost killed the blooms. The next year the trees were loaded with peaches but a drought destroyed the crop. Every year the farmer invested time and money in his orchard. But every year things beyond his control prevented a successful harvest. Finally, he had enough. He pulled up the trees and in the spring planted corn.

Jesus began His ministry with this command “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The word “repent” means turn around. Now, we associate repentance with turning from sin, but there are other reasons to repent. For example, you need to turn around if you are going the wrong way or there is danger ahead. On the other hand, if you are investing time and effort in things that don’t work, you also need to repent.

The farmer repented of raising peaches because it was a useless endeavor. Now a lot of people and churches are devoted to doing things that will never produce fruit. These things are not bad or dangerous, but they are useless and Jesus said, “Repent”.

Maybe you are comfortable doing what you do. Possibly you will not change because you have always done it this way. If what you do does not produce fruit, then it is useless. People and churches who will not repent of their useless ways are disobeying Jesus’ command. And from this sin, they need to repent.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

email-pavementendsministry@gmail.com