Winnowing forks and unquenchable fire imagery conjures thoughts of judgment. But what of wheat barns? Judgment isn't just for the evil ones. It's not all about God giving us justice against those who wrong us. It's also about being saved, and finding an eternal home in God's storehouse of life and love. Jesus' first appearance would challenge the religious self-righteous (judgmental) ones. His second appearing will bring his own into that place of eternal safekeeping - free from every threat to body, heart, and soul. That's why Luke calls John's preaching good news. Jesus is coming to save. To judge and separate the chaff to be sure. But most of all to save.
I know of no other judge than Jesus who I would wish to judge me and all people. He knows our frame. He has walked among us. He knows God's heart. He has come from the Father. I trust his winnowing fork. I yearn for his wheat barn.
