I went to the back pasture and there, standing all alone in a remote place, was a small tree with lots of fruit on it. I did not recognize it at first, but as I approached, I was amazed.
There stood a small persimmon tree full of fruit. There are other persimmon trees on the place, larger and in better locations, but none with that amount of fruit.
I found one persimmon almost ripe and tasted it, and it was sweet. That little tree reminded me of something in the Bible.
First, if we have never accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we are not even in God's garden.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Matthew 21:42-44 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
Second, if we have accepted Christ, He expects us to live in a way that brings honor to His name.
Matthew 3:8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
A tree can usually be identified by the type of fruit that it bears and we are known by our fruit or the way we live, our lifestyle.
Matthew 7: 18- 20 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Yes, there are hindrances like not being content but just wanting more of anything. And there is the problem of just having the wrong kind of fun or good times in the wrong places (and it could be anything that occupies our time and energy), but we end with no time for God.
Luke 8:14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Is there any fruit in our lives, and what kind?
See you in Church next Sunday.