Matthew 21.43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of
God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its
fruit. (NIV)
This sentence caused me to say, “hmmm…” It also caused me
to think about who “a people” are who
would produce its fruit. And then I realized that people is us, the Church throughout the world. And then I realized, He was talking
about me.
What does it mean to, produce
its fruit? For sure it doesn’t mean
writing a blog, or attending a church, or leading a men’s group, or serving in
children’s ministries. Producing fruit isn’t something I do, it’s is something
that naturally happens as I fellowship with Jesus Christ and participate in His
Kingdom by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Producing fruit doesn’t
necessarily mean doing what Jesus did but it does mean doing what Jesus says
and cooperating with Him in every moment.
Fellowship is a two-way street. There is give and give on
both sides of the equation. But my life in Christ is not merely an equation; it’s
a living, vibrant expression of the Living God through me toward others as He
brings His presence and will to light in me. Producing fruit means more of me
being a conduit, or channel, or a clean vessel pouring out His blessing to
others.
God removed His Kingdom from those who disbelieved after
they had every opportunity to believe. God presented His case and they ridiculed
it because it wasn’t what they believed it to be. They wanted a king with power
to overthrow the Romans and restore Israel to its former glories. What they got
was a King with the power to overthrow the human heart and restore a person to
the glories of God’s original intent for them. Apparently, that wasn’t good enough
for them, so God turned to those who would accept His offer; and forty days
after the resurrection of the King, it happened, the Church was born: a people who would produce its fruit.
Kingdom fruit isn’t about performance; it’s about
relationship. And God isn’t just about getting things done; He’s about
friendship and fellowship. I need to be careful that I don’t only recognize God
as a Taskmaster, no matter how benevolent and loving He is. What God is really
about is cooperation: my cooperation with
Him in seeking out others who will bear fruit for Him – the fruit of love
and goodness. It’s about relationship.
Father, You don’t give Your Kingdom to those who don’t
want it – that doesn’t mean You don’t love them; it just means You won’t force
it upon them. Your Kingdom isn’t about a To-Do list; it’s about love and how we
mere humans can benefit from and share Your love with those who trouble over
believing it exists. Two helps today Lord: help me to bear the fruit You desire;
and help me to share that fruit with those You desire. May I walk with You this
day bearing and sharing. Amen.
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