Aug. 9
Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook
PRUNING FOR FRUIT-BEARING
"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more
fruit" John 15:2
This is a precious promise to one who lives for fruitfulness. At first
it seems to wear a sharp aspect. Must the fruitful bough be pruned?
Must the knife cut even the best and most useful? No doubt it is so,
for very much of our Lord's purging work is done by means of
afflictions of one kind or another. It is not the evil but the good who
have the promise of tribulation in this life. But, then, the end makes
more than full amends for the painful nature of the means. If we may
bring forth more fruit for our Lord, we will not mind the pruning and
the loss of leafage.
Still, purging is sometimes wrought by the Word apart from trial, and
this takes away whatever appeared rough in the flavor of the promise.
We shall by the Word be made more gracious and more useful. The Lord,
who has made us, in a measure, fruit-bearing, will operate upon us till
we reach a far higher degree of fertility. Is not this a great joy?
Truly there is more comfort in a promise of fruitfulness than if we had
been warranted riches, or health, or honor.
Lord Jesus, speedily fulfill thy gracious word to me, and cause me to
abound in fruit to thy praise!