Be a Blessing

Psalm 1v3 NLT

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

I wonder what you look for in friends, work colleagues or even in yourself?

Good humour, truthfulness, professionalism maybe on your list. How about loyalty and reliability? There are characteristics which we need to establish trust in our relationships.

The image of the evergreen tree is one of constant watering, health, and fruitfulness. The Psalmist says people like this are those who are close to the Lord and live their lives according to His ways. Those who are constant and true, not blown about by popular opinion or dragged off course by ‘friends’ or even enemies. Those who do not seek recognition for themselves by putting others down. Those who base their lives on the example of Jesus. Prosperity mentioned in the verse can mean either physical or spiritual blessing or both – we are all rich in Christ!

The key to life like this is in the image that the trees are planted near water, the source of life. Plant yourself in Jesus, drawing strength and joy from Him, meditating on the Word and praying and so being a blessing to others.

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Isaiah 27

Isaiah 27 v2-3 “In that day — Sing about a fruitful vineyard: I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it”.

Earlier in his book. Isaiah explains the vineyard imagery – Isaiah 5 v7 “The nation of Israel is the vineyard of the Lord”. In chapter 5 he says things are not going well in the vineyard but by chapter 27, God is again looking after his people.

I noted the 3 words, which led me to other thoughts about God’s care:

Watch – interested – observe – keep an eye on – love

Water – refreshes – Holy Spirit – growth

Guard – protects – defend – shield

He continues…

Isaiah 27 v5 … “let them come to me for refuge; let them make peace with me, yes, let them make peace with me.” In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.

Refuge – shelter – sanctuary – safety

Peace – calm – order not chaos – stillness – wellbeing

Then signs of good life: Root then Bud then Blossom then Fruit. We are familiar with this cycle of life in plants. Do we see this cycle in our lives too? The deeper the roots, the more fruit.

Jesus says to us in john 15 v 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

All of these actions and growth have nothing to do with numbers of people! Pray for growth and fruitfulness in your small church.

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