What Kind of Fruit Are We Producing?

O. T. #1887  "What Kind of Fruit Are We Producing?"

Feb. 23, 2021

Ezekiel 15

LET IT GLOW

I really enjoy eating grapes in the wintertime for a snack. They are sweet, nutritious, and low calorie. However, usually within a luscious cluster is at least one bitter grape. Either it is not ripe or is overripe. Ooo, that one is immediately recognizable and is spit out. but the rest is mighty good this time of year.

In the next three chapters there are three parables which God gave to Ezekiel to share. Today's chapter features a vision of the vine-grapes. A useful vine grows and bears much fruit. Israel was intended to be a vineyard producing much fruit. Israel was to reflect the love of God for His obedient people. They were to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit as found in Ephesians. Isaiah spoke of Israel being the Lord's vineyard.

In John 15, Jesus said that He is the vine and His Father is the husbandman (gardener), and we are the branches. When we stay connected to Jesus, then we bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. (verse 5b) When believers remain in Jesus' love, we will obey His commandments and are filled with joy overflowing. then we will love others and meet their needs.

Are we sharing love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faith, and forgiveness today? Those are the fruit of the Spirit we are supposed to be exhibiting as we are connected to Jesus. The gardener God lifts us up, encourages us, and motivates us with His Word and Spirit and others. Often He sends trials and challenges to prune us so we grow in our faith and produce more fruit.

Are we producing fruit? What kind of fruit are we producing? Is it bitter or loving sweetness? Is it a sour disposition or a kind one? Is Jesus our source of producing good fruit for God?

LET IT GROW

This parable speaks about a useless vine. There are some questions:

• How does a grapevine compare to a tree?
• Is the vine's wood as useful as the wood of a tree?
• Can its wood be used for making things, life pets to hang up pots and pans?

We find the answer in verses 4-5. No, it can only be used for fuel, which burns too quickly. Vines are not a good source of fuel, so they are useless before and after being put into the fire. They are not strong enough to be good for making furniture, usually.

So the people of Israel were useless to God because of their idol worship. Jerusalem became a wild and empty vine not producing fruit. Israel was a fruitless and useless vine of no value. Israel was set apart to bear sweet and loving fruit, not sour grapes. There was nothing else for God to do but to burn their cities. He used the Babylonian army to achieve His judgment. Israel was not a witness to the heathen and pagan nations who worshiped idols, for because just like them.

Are we becoming like those unbelievers around us in the workplace, community, or church? Or are we outstanding fruit showing others what a relationship with the True, Living God is like? It is our choice.

If we Christians do not remain in Jesus, producing fruit, then He will sever us from the vine as useless branches. Disciplined or removed, taken onto glory, as a dead vine is gathered into a pile to be burned. god the gardener may take it away from the ground by lifting up the branches and casting them into the fire.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are my vine. Keep me connected to You as my source of joy, love, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.

Prune away what does not honor You, Father.