Bearing Spiritual Fruit

Psalm 1 describes the one who chooses to follow God as being like “a tree planted by streams of water.” This tree “yields its fruit in season,” and its leaves do not wither.

C.H. Spurgeon, in his commentary The Treasury of David, goes on to describe this tree as “not a wild tree, but ‘a tree planted,’ chosen, considered as property, cultivated and secured.”

Spurgeon paints a picture of God as a loving caretaker, or husbandman, who chooses, plants, and looks after his trees.

Jesus paints a similar picture in John 15:1-9.

Here, he describes himself as a vine and us believers as its branches.

God the Father is seen as the gardener who lovingly prunes and cares for his vineyard.

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. -John 15:5

These words are from an event we refer to as the Last Supper. Jesus has gathered his twelve disciples together for one last meal before his crucifixion. He speaks words of comfort and encouragement to them, in advance of the horrific ordeal that is to come.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. -John 15:9

This is a new testament echo of the admonition in the first psalm. It is by staying connected to God that we find peace and produce good fruit in our lives.

Practically, this means spending time reading, discussing, thinking about, and meditating on God’s words in the Bible. It is the water for our tree. Its truths provide the fertile soil that embrace our roots and anchor us during the storms of life. It is the source of our faith and perseverance.

Staying connected to Jesus, remaining in him, enables us to grow the fruit of love that marks us as his disciples.
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