Fruit of the Vine

I've been thinking about fruit this week. It's a word that gets used for all kinds of symbology. Fruit has so many appealing characteristics that we can all enjoy thinking about it. Some kinds of fruit are so delicious that your mouth might be watering just now even although you're only thinking about it.

One of the characteristics of many kinds of fruit is that they are delicious to eat without any need for preparation or cooking. Strawberries, apples, pears, plums, or grapes, can just be picked from the plant and popped into the mouth.

Most other kinds of food needs to be prepared. Grain needs to be ground and the resulting flour baked or fried. Vegetables need to be cleaned then boiled or roasted. And for those who can bear to consider animals, there is much to be done before the meat appears on our plates all juicy and tender.

On at least one occasion, Jesus tells his disciples to bear fruit. What on earth does he mean? Surely he doesn't expect strawberries, apples, pears, plums, or grapes, to start growing on their bodies to provide tasty food for other people!

But clearly Jesus does expect his followers to produce something. It should be attractive to look at, and delicious to experience. It should be easy for other people to access and to absorb into their own lives. It should be good for the consumer bringing them energy and strength.

Jesus brought Good News. Those who were around Jesus enjoyed new life. They received healing of mind, body, or spirit; they learned to live together in community and in cooperation; they felt clean and whole; they found that they received help and encouragement from the One they discovered to be God.

Jesus was fruitful. His fruit was attractive, delicious, easy to access and absorb, and good for those who ate.

What fruit results from your life - from your labours? Do others want it?

We'll be talking about other aspects of fruitfulness on Sunday - at Abercorn Church at 10am, and at Winchburgh Church at 11:30am. Taste and see that God is good!

If you can't be there, and you want to discuss this some more, then send me a Comment!