Fear No Fear

(All scripture from the World English Bible, ebible.org, all rights reserved)

“David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (also called Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here!” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. The same is David’s city. David had said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. David lived in the stronghold; therefore they called it David’s city. He built the city all around, from Millo even around; and Joab repaired the rest of the city. David grew greater and greater, for Yahweh of Armies was with him.”
(1 Chronicles 11:4-9)

“He spoke this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. He said to the vine dresser, ‘Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down! Why does it waste the soil?’ He answered, ‘Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’””
(Luke 13:6-9)

Throughout the Word, the fig tree is used as a metaphor to represent the Jewish people – who were expected to bear fruit (Genesis 1:28). The fig tree and the vineyard are also used as symbols of the leaders of Israel. Birds of the field were often representing the nations and peoples of the world. The mustard seed was often Israel (the smallest of nations – Deuteronomy 7:7-8), a small group able to be raised up by God to minister to the whole world (Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 26:4). As Jesus opened the Way to the Gentiles, the symbols don’t diminish, but open up to include all who believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Saviour (Jew and Gentile). We are meant to be fruitful, not because of ourselves, but because of Jesus in us.

When fruit is not evident in our lives, we have nothing. We don’t really believe. We don’t really trust. We aren’t holding to the things of God. We aren’t keeping the Word before our eyes or in our hearts. Those without fruit are those who may THINK they are believers, but there is nothing in their lives that SHOWS they are believers. They are the ones at risk of being cut down and cut out (John 15:1-7). Those who truly believe automatically produce fruit. How much depends on how they walk with God. Whether they are relying on Him or simply listening to Him. Whether they are obeying Him or considering what obedience can mean. If we do what He says, we WILL have fruit. It is inevitable.

Summary

If we have trust in God, we will have good works because the good works are the fruit of our trust in God (James 2:17, 26; Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10). The Lord lives THROUGH us and whatever the Lord touches, prospers. He brings BLESSING and GROWTH and all of that. So it is evident in our lives when we trust in Him. David’s life was blessed by the Lord and whenever David trusted in God, good things sprouted around him. Whenever David missed it or was rebellious, trouble sprouted. We are meant to be people of BLESSING. Not to amass things and stuff, but to BLESS those around us (Ephesians 4:28). Our heart attitude matters. It is the soil in which our orchard grows. We are known by our fruit.