119. Садовник неплодное дерево срубает

We see that a gardener, having waited long enough for fruit from an apple tree or some other tree and seeing that it does not give the fruit he desires, cuts down the tree as worthless and fruitless, and throws it into the fire. God, being the most kind and loving of mankind, expects repentance from the sinner and is patient with him. But when he already sees that he lives in unrepentance, as he lived, then with His righteous judgment he cuts him down and throws him into the eternal fire. God waited so long for repentance from the wicked who were before the flood. But when he already saw that there was no repentance in them, he destroyed them with a terrible and worldwide flood. So he expected repentance from the Sodomites and those who did not repent and burned those who remained in their wickedness with fire from heaven. So, for a long time, he expected repentance from Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. But when he neglected His long-suffering and remained in his bitterness, he recognized the vengeful hand of God on himself; drowned like a stone in the depths of the sea with all his army. So from the Israelites who came out of Egypt, who saw God’s glorious miracles, but committed lawlessness, he expected repentance and conversion. But when, without changing at all, they were confirmed in their wickedness, they perished variously in the desert by the judgment of God. This is how Absalom, the son of David, learned for himself the judgment of God, who plotted to kill his father and take possession of the kingdom of Israel, but, hanging on a tree, died between heaven and earth. The same judgment of God even now befalls the lawless, and those who are careless about God’s long-suffering, and those who do not want to repent and correct themselves. We hear about the wondrous and terrible judgments of God. Fornicators and harlots are often smitten in the most wicked deed; Predators, thieves and robbers in their very crime often admire the judgment of God. The Last Judgment befalls murderers, evildoers, avengers, slanderers, scolders, deceivers, seducers, deceivers and others who weave cunning intrigues for their neighbors and often fall into the same ditch that they dig out and dig for others. Thus, the wondrous and terrible judgment of God befalls every wicked person. And although not all the lawless, according to the unknown fate of God, are executed here, yet all are cut down with death, like an ax, and thrown into eternal fire, and so accept their well-deserved lot. This is what the holy Forerunner said: Even the ax lies at the root of the trees: every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:10). A Christian who doesn't care about repentance! Fear God's judgment and repent - so that it does not come upon you unexpectedly and send you into the fire of hell! You yourself do not know where and how and when judgment will befall you, and where you expect good and self-interest for yourself, there will be evil for you. The fierce Pharaoh pursued Israel and waited for his own gain, but found his death and grave in the Red Sea. A similar lot awaits other hardened lawless people. Look at the wondrous judgments of God and stop sinning; and repent of the fact that you have sinned - may the Lord be merciful to you. God has tolerated you until now, seeing your lawless deeds, and expected repentance from you. But whether it will be tolerated in the future is unknown. This must be understood and remembered about the universal and Last Judgment of God. The Lord is long-suffering of ungodly and unrepentant sinners and expects repentance and correction from them, just as He was long-suffering to the wicked who were before the flood and expected repentance from them. But when he already sees that there is no repentance for sinners, there is no conversion, there is no correction, the world stubbornly stands in its wickedness, then suddenly, like lightning, the Judge Christ the Lord will appear, and the trumpets will cry: “Go to the judgment of Christ!” And the apostolic word will be fulfilled: For when they say: “Peace and safety,” then suddenly destruction will come upon them, just as labor pain befalls one who is pregnant, and they will not escape (1 Thess. 5:3). Then all unrepentant sinners, like those who perished in the waters before the flood, will perish and be plunged into the lake of fire, and will reap through all eternity the fruits of their lawlessness and wickedness. And this is what the Apostle Peter wrote about: The Lord is not slack in fulfilling his promise, as some count slackness; but is patient with us, not willing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Look, sinner! God expects you to repent. Do not be careless regarding the goodness and long-suffering of God and repent - so that either your death or the judgment of Christ will not find you in unrepentance and failure. Blessed and wise is he who lives with caution and, seeing the judgments of God upon others, prudently avoids disaster. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy, and according to the multitude of Your compassions, cleanse my iniquity (Ps. 50:3). You might be interested in: