Nougat 4

Ever been hungry or simply yearning for a particular fruit and nothing?! Especially when the fruit trees are in reach but there’s nothing there. Worry not, you have company, for I’ve been there. And I usually try to sweet talk the fruit trees for ‘next time’. Sometimes, the issue isn’t so much the tree, but the branches. Bear this in mind as we consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Remember the dead branches from yesterday? – they’re dead because of the dissociation from the tree. And once the branch is fully dead, any fruit on it is either rotted or dried up. (I am putting this out here, for if anyone is following a disconnected shepherd, then it’s likely that we’re being malnourished).

Now a branch can be on a tree, yet it’s dying. That could be the result of natural causes like lightning; or it could have been an accidental chop when pruning; or an infestation of pests (mealy bugs, aphids, caterpillars, slugs, locusts etc). We may not have thought about it prior to the examples, but certainly Joel 1:4; and 2:25 comes to mind. Let’s reflect on the root of the disconnection for a bit

Lightning

As one who is from the Tropics, lightning storms are not uncommon. And if the lightning catches a branch at the juncture where it connects to the trunk, it can result in a full or partial split from its nutrient source. Left unattended for a while, the branch either succumbs to plagues and pests or withers and dies.

Pruning

In the pruning process, there can be a deep chop, which might not be a total severing from the tree. When this happens, it’s possible to restore the branch by treating it as though it was circumposed, by carefully reconnecting it to the trunk and using plastic or rubber to set the reconnecting piece in place.

Pests

Pests are ongoing threats to the health of trees and branches. Some cause leaf rot, and others eat the leaves; in both cases, removing access to nutrients essential for the plants’ growth. There are several ways to address pests, but vigilance is absolutely necessary.

Application

When we take the metaphor back to our spiritual journey, we realize that nutrients and proper nurturing are essential to our well being. In fact, Peter warned us that the enemy seeks to destroy us at any cost 1 Peter 5:8.

It shouldn’t be surprising that the devil can make one divisive strike that has the same effect as lightning to a tree branch. Like the things which split congregations, e.g. abuse, misconduct, or money management. Quite often, innocent persons are party to the issue especially when sides are drawn as we handle the rift. And, if not handled properly, there is scope for the person to become totally disillusioned from the faith rather than just the one situation.

Sometimes it’s a case of how we choose to admonish another believer. Not that we can’t help each other -for iron sharpens iron as Proverbs 27:17 tells us – but it is essential that we speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), which is not always easy. In being ‘honest’ with another we sometimes wound, or forget their humanity and if that offense is left untended … Lord have mercy, for l we are then the cause of another’s falling away from the Faith.

Then there’s our own issues – lies, gossip, fear, lack of self control, jealousy, porn, unforgiveness and such the like. Those are the real pests – the Joel 1 invaders – we mentioned before. I tell you, these creep up on us, seemingly without warning. And in no time our prayer life, our desire to read God’s Word and eventually our faith wanes. Siblings in Christ, we *must guard against these* so we are not permanently disconnected from the Tree.

Thanks be to God, it only takes one moment of confession for God’s grace to redeem us through God’s Spirit in Jesus Christ! Remember Jesus forgave the condemned convict right there on the Cross at Calvary (see Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27 and 23:32-43). I have no doubt He’ll do it time and again for us. So, let’s pause to repent right now.

Lord please forgive me, I have sinned in word and deed. Cleanse and reconnect me please Y’shua by Your blood, so I remain in You I pray Abba amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ