This week in my Bible reading plan I am in Isaiah. I try to read through the Bible every year and I always learn something new, that I didn’t see before. This week it was one short verse in Isaiah 37.
“The surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward.” – Isaiah 37:31 (CSB)
I pondered this verse and got curious about trees that bear fruit. Most fruit trees don’t bear fruit for at least 2 years and some varieties up to 8 years after they are planted. What are they doing during those years? They are growing strong roots and sturdy branches. I watched a video of a man sharing his “trick” to get fruit more quickly than normal. His secret? Lots of fertilizer and water. Not much of a secret. If you feed a plant you will cause growth.
Isn’t it the same with us? If we want to bear fruit—spiritual fruit—we have to feed the roots. How do we do that? Simply spending time with the Lord and in His word. We can’t expect much fruit, or good quality fruit if we neglect to feed our spiritual roots. We need to feed on God’s word and allow the Holy Spirit to bring streams of living water into our lives.
Does your fruit seem a little shriveled and tasteless? Feast on God’s word and watch what happens.
“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” – John 15:8 (CSB)