Disciples Test the Fruit of Those Who Lead
Matthew 7:17-20
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit,
but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree
cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot
bear good fruit. Every tree that does not
bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into
the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize
them.
~ Jesus,
Jesus warned His first disciples to beware of false teachers. Such teachers could be rooted out or tested by taking a look at their fruit. But this isn’t just about being aware of bad fruit. It is also encouraging us to be aware of good fruit.
Whereas bad-fruited trees will be cut down and thrown into the fire, trees bearing good fruit will be on fire in a different way. Their fruit is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ in them.
The Spirit of God is kindled in these leaders – a holy fire. Such leaders are already blessed by God Himself, but they could still use our encouragement as they live for the Lord and serve His people.
Prayer
Father God, I ask that Your Spirit would help me discern good from evil, good spiritual fruit from bad spiritual fruit, “good trees” from “bad trees”. Help me to discern which leaders are producing good fruit and which ones are producing bad fruit – and to follow as You would have me do so. Help me to mature in my walk by learning from others maturing in You. May it be a mark of my discipleship and of those discipling me as well. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 27:7-14
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Can you hear (with your internal ear) your heart saying to you: “Seek the Lord’s face!”? That would be your new-creation heart thirsting for God.