“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord. On the Lord’s law, he meditates day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.”
Psalm 1:1-3
“Never judge a tree by a single season.” – Pastor Charlie Shamp
Did you know? Citrus and fig trees take about 1-2 years to yield fruit. It takes about 2-5 years for apple, peach, pomegranate, olive, and mulberry trees to do so. Apricots, cherries, pear, and plum trees can take as long as 5-7 years to produce fruit.
These fruits all provide important nutrients and benefits for the body. Citrus packs a vitamin C punch, which helps to boost immunity. Olives have been shown to protect against osteoporosis and cancer. Cherries fight inflammation and soothe sore muscles.
Every tree yields its fruit in season. Some fruit is produced quickly, while others may take years. But all are good for the body, and all serve a purpose.
“You will recognize (false prophets) by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16-20.)
If a person is seeking and abiding in God’s Truth, will the Church recognize it?
If a person is just starting out in their walk – if they have just recently been planted – or if they are entering a season of fresh growth after a period of drought or disease, will we – the Church – judge the smallness of their tree? Or will we see the potential of what is budding on the vine?
From February 8 through February 24, 2023, a spontaneous revival occurred at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. The revival was sparked by students staying in Hughes Auditorium following their regularly scheduled chapel service. This revival was significant in that its news spread through social media, particularly among Generation Z, considered to be the most irreligious generation in our nation’s history. By the end of the revival, an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 people from both the U.S. and other countries visited Wilmore, thirsty to feel the presence of Christ in Hughes Auditorium.
Pastor and worship leader Sean Feucht has been traveling the U.S. since the pandemic began, hosting outdoor worship gatherings in some of the hardest communities in the most crime-ridden cities in the nation. He and his team have been met with much adversity and protest during their tours. His guitar was stolen by a protestor during a recent gathering, and instead of demonizing the thief, Sean, his team, and their followers prayed for the person to repent and to return the guitar. The young man who stole it was a drug addict and an atheist. Not only did he feel led to return the guitar, but he also gave his life to Christ and was baptized by the same worship team who he had stolen from.
Will we judge a generation, a generation considered to be the most “irreligious generation in our nation’s history,” because their fruit is different than ours? Or because we cultivated our fruit quickly where their harvest has taken longer?
In the years ahead, the appearance of the trees of God will go against our preconceived notions. Fresh believers are emerging from every age, from every race, and from every creed. God is calling forth and equipping His children, many of whom have never been planted in good soil before now. They are desperate to be rooted in a safe environment. They long to be tended to by fellow believers, watered with Truth, encouragement, love, and wisdom.
As followers of Christ, there are seasons when our trees – the products of our faith – will appear vastly different from one another. Some trees may be large, some may be small. Some trees may produce much fruit, while others, only a few pieces. Some seasons our trees will be plentiful, and others, a bit more bare.
But if believers are rooted in the Truth of God’s Word, their fruit will be seen and recognized. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
May the Church recall that all believers began as vulnerable seeds. If your tree is in a season of abundance, encourage and love your fellow believers – even if they are mere saplings. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25.
Tracy Huneycutt has been a member of the Journey Church family since 2020. She enjoys serving food on Breakfast Sundays, teaching Kindergarten-2nd grade JKids, and being a part of the Moms Group. Her family consists of her husband, John, her son, Reid, and her Labrador, Suki. Tracy writes blogs and social media content as a copywriter and freelance marketing agent. She is blessed to have additional opportunities to write, especially to share the love and wisdom of the Father.
