Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither… Solomon uttered an axiom when he said, "To everything there is a season." The truth is applicable to all God does. As in creation its mode and time were not anyhow but appointed. And what is true on the larger scale is also true on the smaller. And to every individual. Your birth and death are appointed by God. To you there is a season. I. THERE IS FRUIT APPROPRIATE TO EACH SEASON. This not only in the physical world but in the moral. 1. Childhood has its fruits. Like the holy child Jesus you are to bear fruit by loving, trusting, and imitating Him. In your baptism you have been given to Christ and are His. He expects you to bear fruit. 2. Youth has its fruit. St. John speaks of "little children, young men, fathers." You occupy the middle position. "I have written to you," says the apostle. Young men and maidens, be sober minded and strong minded too. 3. Old age has its fruits. When the spring is gone, the summer vanished, how varied and multiplied the fruit of autumn. And there are fruits not only of season, but 4. Of time. Our Sabbaths, for example, and working days and days of relaxation also should have their fruit. And there are — 5. Moral seasons. Conviction — how important this is. It is a solemn season when God comes near the soul. And the time of spiritual quickening when the soul longs for more of God. Seasons of sorrow, of joy, and of temptation, these all have their appropriate fruit. II. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THE FRUIT APPROPRIATE SHOULD BE BORNE IN ITS SEASON. For then it is best. 1. Your lifetime — if it bear not its fruit it will never bear it at all. How are you spending it? 2. Religious impression — if that pass away, "a more convenient season" you will never have. III. FOR THIS SUITABLE MEANS MUST BE EMPLOYED. It is the result of previously fulfilled conditions. 1. Separation from the ungodly is one of them. 2. Meditation on God's Word. 3. Hidden supplies of God's grace, like the water at the roots of the tree. They flow along the channels of Divine ordinances, prayers, worship, sacraments. So will you bear fruit. (Josiah Viney.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. |
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