Garden

….That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

(Isaiah 61:3, NKJV)

Watching the different displays of nature during moments of seasons changing warms my heart.  The beauty that each season brings, a beauty which at times we have learnt to take for granted,  yet Solomon was quick to remind us that that there is a time and a season for everything (Eccelesiastes 3:1).  The farmers are more deliberate about the seasons, as they prepare the land, set the seeds in place and watch for the rain.  The preparations made speak of an expectation of a yield which often is greater than the seed sown.  This circle of life while it seems so routine, determines the food provisions and sustainability as we know it.  God is faithful in the seasons of life and this helps us to predict and expect a supply in season.  It is also possible that rains and climatic conditions are right but the yield is not, that means there was an input in the process which did not take place.  Thankfully, for most times, what we plant and expect to grow is what we harvest. 

Our reference verse above powerfully tells of trees of righteousness which are planted by the Lord Himself.  Beloved, this is referring to you and I, God is holy and righteous and so what He plants can only be in keeping with His character.  He compares you with a tree whose fruits are righteousness to the glory of His name.  The bible makes reference to trees and branches engrafted when referring to our relationship with God through Christ.  Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and calls Himself the vine while we are His branches, our fruitfulness will only come from our being connected to the vine for nourishment (John 15:1-6).  When we remain connected to the vine, we will be pruned to bear good fruit.  The purpose of God planting us is to bear fruits in keeping with the tree that we are growing, the fruits of God’s righteousness.  David the psalmist, compares those who look up to God to trees planted by the waters and their fruits never fail nor do their leaves fall (Psalm 1:3).  Clearly, what has been planted of the Lord has His covering.  If for any reason the fruit does not match up to the tree or seed planted, then we know there was interference.  As believers, if our lives do not produce the fruits of righteousness, it means we have allowed contamination of the seed of God in us.  God does not tolerate contamination, He is holy and so He says in His word, that any tree that does not bear fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 7:19).  That is scary, but it does clarify God’s expectations of the trees that He has planted.  It is also encouraging to know that He also takes care of His planting by pruning to ensure that we could bear much fruit (John 15:2).  It is God’s desire that we bear fruit and so He nurtures us to grow into fruitful trees of His glory.  Brethren, we might not be bearing right fruits and we know there is more required of us.  Just as a farmer helps the crops to produce for the next season, may we ask the Lord to strengthen and nurture us so that we can produce the right fruit.  He will not condemn those who come to Him but will work on us to make us more of Himself.

Thoughts

What are you growing?

Where have you been planted?

How is the Lord pruning you?