God has three axes. J. R. Miller. God has three axes. One, he uses, in pruning his
trees, that the fruitful branches may bring forth more fruit. The
work of this act is not judgment or destruction, but mercy and
blessing. It is the good, the fruitful
tree, which feels its keen edge. Every branch that does not bear
fruit, he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful. John
15, 2. Then God has another axe, which
He uses only in judgment, in cutting down those trees which
after all His culture of them bring forth no fruit. The axe
already lies at the root of the trees, and every tree that does
not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the
fire. Matthew 3.10 The picture is very
suggestive. The axe at the tree's root, or
raised in the woodman's hand to strike, shows that judgment
impends, hangs ready to fall. At any moment, the tree may be
cut down. Cut it down, why should it use
up the soil? Luke 13, 7. The axe of death
really lies all the while at the root of every life. There
is not a moment when it is not true, that there is but a step
between us and death. Life is all very critical. There is not a moment in any
day on which may not turn all the destinies of eternity. It
certainly is an infinitely perilous thing for an immortal soul to
rest an hour with the axe of judgment waiting to strike the
blow which will end the day of mercy forever. Only supremist
folly can blind men to such vital interests.