A well cared for tree bears fruit of excellent quality.
Years ago we had 2 apple trees in our backyard. The blossoms were beautiful and the apples were delicious and abundant. Year after year for decades we had multiple dozens to share with others. We found a lot of joy in sharing God’s bountiful goodness. Of course, the trees had to be cared for, pruned and sprayed regularly to prevent worms, damage and weakness. The trees responded to regular good care with a strong healthy crop. A tree reveals what kind of tree it is by the type of fruit it bears. A well cared for tree bears fruit of excellent quality.
Those of us who have been redeemed, had our lives transformed and our eternal destiny changed, have a responsibility (Psalms 78:1-6) to pass on the gospel to the next generation, the generation of the children not yet born. If we do not (Dr. Stanley) “We are just one generation away from becoming a pagan nation”. I think the signs are already evident that many of us have failed to share and spread the (Romans 1:16) good news of the Gospel.
The most important thing in all the world to God is (1 Timothy 2:4) the redemption of mankind. What is most important to you and me? (Dr.Tozer) “Spiritual fruit comes only from spiritual life”. An apple cannot hide the truth that it came from an apple tree. Does the fruit in our lives reveal that Jesus is the Source of a godly character within us? You can’t gather grapes from thorn bushes (Matthew 7:16) or figs from thistles. Joseph bore fruit (Genesis 39:21-23) in the prison and also (Genesis 41:44) in the palace. Paul bore fruit (2 Corinthians 2:12) in the churches and also (Philippians 4:22) in the Roman prison. John bore fruit (2 John 1, 3 John 1) in the church and also (Revelation 1:9) as a banished exile on the Isle of Patmos. Obviously of course, he endured many painful circumstances and difficulties but none of those hindered his growing fruitfulness. Why not? Because circumstances and difficulties were not the source of the production of fruit in his life. God uses those very things as plant food. We know the Source. We heard Jesus tell us (John 15:4) that He alone is the Source, the fruit-producing Vine. Unless we are abiding in Him we are nothing but empty, useless, barren pieces of wood.
(Oswald Chambers) “We can do nothing pleasing to God unless we build on the pre-supposition of the Atonement. Every time I obey, absolute Deity is on my side, so that the grace of God and natural obedience coincide. Obedience means that I have banked everything on the Atonement and my obedience is met immediately by the delight of the supernatural grace of God.” This is made possible for us through – and only through – the Atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ. The horrendous cost and the limitless scope of the Atonement is gifted to all who would receive GRACE that is GREATER. I can’t help wondering if we even begin to grasp and appreciate the depths of the miracle of God’s grace.
The lovely characteristics, which adorned the Life and Person of Jesus, are (Galatians 5:22-23) the fruit of the Spirit, the spiritual fruit which the Holy Spirit reproduces in us as we surrender to Him in the abiding life. A genuine apple tree gives apples. The True Vine gives holy living which is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11) filling everything everywhere with Himself. (Pastor McBride) “Jesus plus anything equals nothing”. Someone has said “Only in Christianity does surrender bring victory”. We should be so humbly grateful that we are not only permitted but charged to bear the fruit which only Almighty God can produce - - even (Psalms 92:12-14) in old age.
We need to learn contentment (Philippians 4:11) in whatever state we find ourselves. The more physical handicaps we have as we get older - - the more joy and wonder we’ll have in our glorified bodies. For us the best is yet to come.
Most things, if not all things, are not in themselves good or evil. It is the way in which they are used that is good or evil and that is based on the user’s choice. Why did God put the know-how into humans to develop the amazing technology we have today? (Dr. Stanley “Technology is our (2 Corinthians 2:12) open door of opportunity to reach every nation on earth with the Gospel. We need passion for God and compassion for people”.