This chapter Jerusalem is described as a useless vine, something to be discarded because it no longer serves a purpose.
” ‘Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest? Is wood taken from it to make anything…? Behold, it is given to the fire for fuel. When the fire has consumed both ends of it… is it useful for anything? Behold, when it was whole, it was used for nothing. How much less, when the fire has consumed it… can it ever be used for anything! …Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so have I given up the inhabitants of Jerusalem.’ ” (v2-6 abr)
It may seem harsh that God is allowing His people to be destroyed, though this is the result of their unrepentance. God is comparing them to a fruitless vine that is only useful for fueling a fire (you can’t make much out of it).
This is a wake-up call for me – we as Christ followers ought to bear good fruit. If we do not bear fruit, we’re of little use to God. The Holy Spirit seeks to grow this useful fruit in our lives: things like love, kindness, and gentleness. Without us partnering with God to bear such fruit, we are of limited / no help in building Jesus kingdom.
Let’s remember that our greatest purpose on earth is to serve God and bring Him glory while helping build Jesus kingdom. If we’re not partnering with God to produce His fruit, we’re not fulfilling our life’s purpose. Thankfully, as long as we’re still breathing, it’s never too late to begin bearing fruit. Even the thief on the cross beside Jesus, who was saved moments before his death, bore fruit in his final minutes (we’re still impacted by his story today). What are we waiting for? Let’s begin / continue bearing fruit this very minute, we don’t have time to waste.
Father God, our Glorious Lord, You are fully deserving of all our obedience and praise. May our words and actions be fruitful, as we partner with Your Spirit in all we say and do. May we help build Jesus’ kingdom, and faithfully serve You with our remaining days. Jesus, please help us to do this. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training