February 18

External Rites

The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. — Matt 3:10 BSB

The image of the axe at the root of the tree is a powerful one. It shows that judgment is imminent, poised to strike at any moment. The tree could be cut down at any time. But the fact that the axe is lying at the tree’s root, unused, also speaks of patience. The gardener is waiting, hoping the tree will still bear fruit. The sight of the axe, resting against the tree, conveys a clear message.

God waits patiently for sinners to return to Him. He is slow to punish or to cut short the opportunity for repentance, desiring all people to turn to Him and be saved. But we mustn’t take God’s patience for granted. The axe may not be raised to strike, but it’s always lying close by, ready to be used. The summons to judgment could come at any moment. The axe of death lies at the root of every life, always poised to strike. At any moment, it could be true that “there is but a step between us and death.”

The image of the axe at the root also suggests final judgment—not pruning, but cutting down. God has two kinds of axes. One He uses to prune fruitful trees, cutting off unproductive branches so the tree can bear more fruit. This pruning is an act of mercy and blessing, not judgment. But God’s other axe is used only in judgment, to cut down trees that bear no fruit, despite all the care they’ve received.

Life is incredibly fragile, and every moment could affect eternity. It is perilous for any soul to rest even one hour with the axe of judgment poised to strike. Only the greatest folly could ignore the need for repentance in such a situation.