I had intended to write about a completely different topic until Jacob, our Next Gen pastor, gave the message yesterday. It was powerful and presented what our role, our call and responsibility should look like in real time.

Jacob gave an analogy about making syrup. The steps required take  planning, preparing, gathering, processing and bottling the finished product. Many months of sweat equity, pushing through unexpected problems. I’ve never planted, cared for or tapped trees and boiled down or filtered sap. No, I have only purchased and enjoyed the finished product. I have however, found myself in a hard place, working through the needed steps to enjoy the hoped for finished “product”. 

Beginning with Matthew 28:19-20 ”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”. This is the Great Commission. Great, because Jesus said it and great implications if carried out. Eternal implications. If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, this is your commission and mine. “GO”.

Jacob’s second Scripture reference was from 2 Timothy 2:1-2 written by the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son Timothy. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Paul was nearing the end of his life yet encouraging and commissioning his spiritual son was what he did. “TELL”.

Next, Jacob quoted another parable from Jesus, in Luke 6:39-40 “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher”. Hmm. If I am not learning and growing in my personal love relationship with Jesus, I am essentially blind. If I am walking with a friend younger in the faith, discussing matters of faith, we will both fall into a pit. “WATCH”

I love how Jesus spoke to his listeners in parables. He shared Truths with them in ways they could identify and understand the meaning. Continuing in Luke 6:43-45, Jesus said, “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks”. “GROW”

Last, but definitely not least, Romans 10:14-15 "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” “GO”

We were not given the gift, the priceless gift of eternal life to keep for ourselves. In Matthew 2819-20, we are commanded to “go”.

 In 2 Timothy we are encouraged to tell others of who Jesus is and what he has done in our life. We entrust the message, our story, to another. We pass the baton.

In Luke 6:39-40 we are reminded to keep watch, or to take the pulse of our personal spiritual lives. Is my spiritual health good or am I dying? Am I fumbling and stumbling, taking others over the edge or am I thriving and helping others to thrive as well?

Going back to the parable of fruit bearing trees, I am reminded that my life produces fruit. Delicious, nutritious fruit, bearing seeds that can be scattered and produce even more fruit. Or, am I so covered with thorns and bramble that nothing is produced but more of the same tangled mess? Do not mistakenly think that we can bear life giving fruit out of our own strength. It isn’t possible.

Romans 10:14-15 clearly states that without a message or messenger, others will not hear the life-giving news of Christ our Savior. Look back on your journey with Jesus, the King. As I do, I can remember people who prayed, loved, and patiently walked with me into the Kingdom. People I never met, some were a part of my life for a season and some (my loving husband) who are walking with me still.

We were created to live in community. The mess. The joy. The heartaches and the times of celebration. Care for your spiritual health and life. Go, tell others. Keep watch on the wellbeing of your soul so that you do not take others over the edge. Nourish your fruit bearing tree and scatter the seeds from that fruit. Cultivate an orchard of eternal fruit bearing trees!

We believe. We go. We grow. We scatter and multiply.

For the glory of our God and Father.