An astonishing fruit

Sunday August 1, 2021

An astonishing fruit

Lord, remember me when you come to reign. Luke 23:42

In the Word of God the fruit is often an image of what divine life produces, the new nature of the Christian. This fruit is a behavior that reflects the characters manifested by the Lord during his life on earth. The conduct of a Christian is proof of his faith. Of the biblical texts that deal with the subject, Psalm 1:1-3 or John 15:1-16, are particularly clear. Bearing fruit for God is an essential function of the Christian and the Lord exhorts us to do so. This will flow naturally from a life of intimacy with the Lord, through reading the Word and prayer,

The account of the repentant robber, crucified next to Jesus, gives us a fine example of the fruit produced. After joining in the insults of his companion (Matthew 27:44 ; Mark 15:32), this man is taken back to his conscience. He recognizes that his torture is the just condemnation of his misdeeds and he confesses it aloud. Having accomplished this capital step, the Holy Spirit reveals to him that he whom men outrage with their contempt and provoke by their challenges is innocent ; immediately he believes it and declares it openly. He then discovers the glory of Jesus, recognizes him as Lord, and publicly entrusts his future to him. The Lord answers his faith : Today you will be with me in paradise.

Who would claim that this robber did not bear fruit ? He only had a few more hours to live. Religious and political authorities, soldiers and passers-by only cursed and insulted Jesus crucified. And, despite this environment of extreme violence, the testimony of this brigand shines in the darkness as that of the Christian should shine. Let your light thus shine before men (Matthew 5:13-16).

The Christian, through the Bible, knows Jesus much better than the thief. He enjoys a life of communion with God. He can therefore bear fruit by reflecting the characters of Christ, by speaking of the salvation of which he is the object, by confessing Jesus as his Savior.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)