Key Scripture:
John 15:16a. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, …
Key Idea:
There are some fruits that will not keep. One sort of pears or apples must be used at once; another sort can be kept over till next year. So there is in Christian work some fruit that does not last. There may be much that pleases and edified, and yet there is no permanent impression made on the power of the world or the state of the Church. On the other hand, there is work that leaves its mark for generations or for eternity. In it the power of God makes itself lastingly felt. not in persuasive words of
— Murray
Pray for revelation:
O my heavenly Vine, it is beginning to dawn upon my soul that fruit, more fruit–much fruit–abiding fruit is the one thing Thou hast to give me, and the one thing as branch I have to give Thee! Here I am. Blessed Lord, work out Thy purpose in me; let me bear much fruit, abiding fruit, to thy glory.
–j Murray
Key words:
Bear Fruit, Remain.
One prominent memory of my grandmother is that she always had a garden, and she always canned the vegetables the garden produced.
Starting early in the summer, certain plants would produce, and fresh vegetables could be enjoyed right away. As the season progressed, vegetables became so over abundant that she had plenty for herself and would share bushels of vegetables with her friends. Finally, by the end of the growing season, she would have so much that she would put the produce away in storage. Many hours were spent in canning, drying, or freezing the fruits of her labor. Before our modern convenience of grocery stores, it was the only way to keep food in the house, not only through the Winter, but the Spring, and up to the time when new plants could be put out, grow, and begin to produce.
My grandma had so much stuff in her cellar, that I remember as a young child, being sent to retrieve a jar of preserves, that some of the dates on those jars were older than I was.
The point I’m trying to make is that as a branch of the true vine, we are to produce fruit to satisfy needs that arise right now. Needs that come and go with each new day. We are to produce more fruit, to satisfy needs of others beyond ourselves.
It is tempting to stop at some point here and look at all the good fruits that you’ve produced. BUZZ. Wrong answer. You mean, all the fruits that God has produced through you. Rather than becoming complacent, smug, or self important, God wants even more. He’s not done yet. When we think we have done it all, and there isn’t anymore left in us, keep abiding, stay attached, be at one with God. There is still more fruit to produce. God wants to provide, and have enough to carry on until the next planting season. He knows how much is enough. Let him decide when to stop.