Hello
Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to seriously consider our purpose.
“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalms 1:3 NLT
Fruit bearing! That’s the word. In John 15, the comparison shifts slightly from the imagery of a tree in an oasis to branches of the Vine; yet the expectation remains constant. Be fruitful. One might be forgiven should fruitfulness be confused with human reproductive strength; but only as a very young believer. For, fruitfulness refers to the act of living so earnestly for God, that others become influenced to also believe.
Though this isn’t necessarily the priority message being preached/taught disciples today, Jesus (Y’shua) spoke to this explicitly in Matthew 5:16. There, He contends that our actions/lifestyle (aka ‘light’) point to God, and based on our living witness, others come to know God intimately and personally. That is, our lifestyle should bear fruit in season. Like a fully functioning tree.
It’s the same principle presented in the parable of the talents (Luke 19:12-27; Matthew 25:14-30) – we are expected to live Christ so engagingly that others are drawn by Christ in us. Note that God did not specify which trees or branches are fruit bearing. When the disciples were sent out, there is no mention of ‘qualifications’ or ‘occupation’ justifying them being sent. Likewise, the skills of the stewards are not quantified in the parable of the talents.
And, if the vine or tree is not producing, there are consequences. Remember the fig tree (Mark 11:12-25), and the pruned & chopped branches on the Vine (John 15:2)? The husbandman Jesus is fully committed to nurturing and refining us to productivity, but we must be involved in the process! For we are called to be rooted and grounded in the Living Water, our nutrition Source, and maturing steadily. With maturity comes fruit-bearing potential, but unfortunately, many of us are content with watching others maximize their fruitfulness, while doing nothing about our own.
On this final day of 2018, I urge us to be fruit bearing trees, wholly rooted in the Living Water. Let us resolve to impact others for Christ, rather than waiting for someone else to bloom.
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
