Reading With the People of God #12 - the Good LifeNäide

Fruit Inspectors

Our I Kings 22 passage tells of the kings of Israel and Judah going into battle together in an ill-conceived alliance. The king of Israel disguised himself as a commoner while the king of Judah wore his true colors.

In our Matthew 7 passage, Jesus is telling us things are not always as they appear. Like Ahab, who tried to look innocuous in his common covering, Jesus warns that many may come appearing religious and righteous but are not. What is the tell? We are to look at their lifestyle, the fruit they are producing, not just the works but the spirit, the motivation behind what they say and do. Are they laying up treasures in Heaven or are they merely stockpiling goods here?

* Primer contributed by Jinet Troost