by Rogath Henry | 25 September 2024 08:46 am09
We who are saved with our Lord Jesus Christ are likened to a tree planted by God Himself in the world. And we all have a part in that tree, with responsibilities assigned to us.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is likened to the trunk of the tree, and we are likened to the branches.
The trunk extends from the roots to the place where the branches grow. Thus, our Lord Jesus is the one who gives life to us, coming from God and bringing us forth. But we extend from the branches to the fruits.
John 15:1-2,5
[1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
[2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…
[5] I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Now, many of us only see the fruits in the branches. But today it is good to look deeper. Normally, a branch is made up of two things: first, the leaves, and second, the fruit.
Both should be visible on the branch.
So, you and I as saints must ask ourselves: Are there leaves? And are there fruits as well?
What are fruits?
The original meaning of fruit in the tree analogy is not about converting people to Christ, as often assumed, but about producing the fruit of your own salvation—that is, the fruit of repentance.
John the Baptist, through the Spirit, explained this clearly. Let us read:
Matthew 3:7-10
[7] When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
[8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
[9] And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
[10] The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
He saw Pharisees who claimed to be God’s messengers, descendants of Abraham, but their hearts were filled with all kinds of evil and filth. They appeared as trees without fruit.
The fruit refers to the fruit of the Spirit, which every believer must strive to produce from their heart throughout their salvation here on earth, namely:
Galatians 5:22-23
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
[23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Anyone who diligently shows their salvation in action bears fruit for God, which nourishes His Spirit. And thus, He is greatly pleased with us.
As mentioned, a branch consists of both leaves and fruit. The leaves are the ministry each of us has to draw others to Christ through the gifts given within us.
We were commanded by the Lord to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
When you witness to others, your leaves are healing nations, thereby saving them. Remember, leaves are usually tasteless; they often serve as medicine. This is what the Lord does for sinners through us as we witness.
Revelation 22:1-2
[1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb,
[2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
See? The leaves are meant to heal nations, people who do not know God. We must ask ourselves: Are we healing nations by preaching the gospel?
As a Christian, part of the tree of life, you must be an active gospel preacher. Do not just say, “I am saved; that is enough.” Act for the Lord. Tell others about Jesus and let them be healed. Do not underestimate yourself; it is Christ working through you—you are just a branch witnessing to others.
But preaching alone, while living a life contrary to Christ, is dangerous. If you have leaves but no fruits of salvation in your heart… you will be condemned.
Mark 11:13-14
[13] Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.
[14] Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him.
You see, some people think merely serving God is enough, without living a holy life. They are found with leaves only.
Let us ensure we have leaves, but also produce fruit because we are part of the trunk of the tree of life. God’s grace will help us.
The Lord bless you.
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