|
|
|
|
Be Not Fruitless or Barren - part 3 of 3 (Amplified Bible) In the natural realm, God provided for the propagation and sustenance of both the plant and animal kingdoms. Over these, He placed man (Adam) whose disobedience caused disruption of both domains, earth bringing forth thorns and thistles instead of plentiful abundance, and animals no longer living in a peaceable kingdom. From Adam, God’s created image-bearer, then came two sons, one the murderer of the other. Just as to the woman He had promised a Seed (Christ) whose feet would crush the head of the serpent, so He has given to His Body (the Church) command and authority to crush the head of the enemy (satan), to destroy his works and to fill the earth with the glory of the Kingdom of God until “…the earth is satisfied and abounds with the fruit of His works” {Ps. 104:13b}. Tragically, while the Father seeks still for those who will manifest His fruitfulness, He finds instead many whose potential ends in fruitlessness or barrenness. Some, whose heart-soil steadfastly rejects the Living Seed remain barren. Others find themselves robbed of the pure Seed, or attempt to mingle it with worldly impurities. For the latter, the holy fruit of God’s working is displaced with the hollow works of self-gratifying performance. “I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the first ripe fruit on the fig tree in its first season; but they went to Baalpeor, and consecrated themselves to [Baal], that shameful thing, and they became detestable and loathsome like that which they loved” {Hosea 9:10} Like Israel, they become and bear wasted fruit. “You have plowed and plotted wickedness, you have reaped the [willful] injustice [of oppression]; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and your chariots, in the multitude of your mighty men” {Hosea 10:13}. Ephraim, whose name means “fruitful” or “double fruit,” serves as an example of those whose spiritual yield (fruit) falls short of their God-given potential (an abundant and enduring harvest). “Ephraim… is planted in a pleasant place; but Ephraim shall bring out his children to the slayer” {Hosea 9:13}. To those who appear fruitful according to other men’s standards, and even by measure of the “religious world,” God gives warning against the Assyrians (the enemies of His people). “For though among his brethren [his fellow tribes] he may be fruitful, an east wind [Assyria] will come, the breath of the Lord rising from the desert, and Ephraim’s spring shall become dry, and his fountain be dried up. [Assyria] shall plunder his treasury of every precious vessel” {Hosea 13:15}. To those who return to the Lord, He promises watchful care and provision, for “With Me is the fruit found [which is to nourish you]” {Hosea 14:8}. As reservoirs of His Glory, we must each keep his own vessel in purity and holiness, lest the enemies of God bring to destruction or disrepute those who are purposed to be fruit-bearing trees and image-bearing sons. -Ruth French March Newsletter 2004 | Effect of Righteousness | Grace | Pastor's Journal March 2003 Respect for the Recompense of the Reward | Be Not Fruitless or Barren part 3 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
|
|
Copyright © 1995-2007 Living Word Christian
Fellowship, Inc.
|
