Aug. 9
PRUNING FOR FRUIT-BEARING
"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and
every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring
forth more fruit" John 15:2
This is a precious promise to one who lives for fruitfulness. At
first it seems to wear a sharp aspect. Must the fruitful bough be
pruned? Must the knife cut even the best and most useful? No doubt it
is so, for very much of our Lord's purging work is done by means of
afflictions of one kind or another. It is not the evil but the good
who have the promise of tribulation in this life. But, then, the end
makes more than full amends for the painful nature of the means. If we
may bring forth more fruit for our Lord, we will not mind the pruning
and the loss of leafage.
Still, purging is sometimes wrought by the Word apart from trial,
and this takes away whatever appeared rough in the flavor of the
promise. We shall by the Word be made more gracious and more useful.
The Lord, who has made us, in a measure, fruit-bearing, will operate
upon us till we reach a far higher degree of fertility. Is not this a
great joy? Truly there is more comfort in a promise of fruitfulness
than if we had been warranted riches, or health, or honor.
Lord Jesus, speedily fulfill thy gracious word to me, and cause me
to abound in fruit to thy praise!