Travelling through our Presbytery at this time year is always a joy for me. The colours are often rich and vibrant, with autumn in full swing. (Although perhaps the rain and darkness of earlier today felt more like winter!). And across the fields there is evidence of a harvest gathered in, and perhaps winter crops being sowed or planted. Trees are groaning with plums and apples, which will be turned into crumbles, stews, jams and chutneys. And our veg patches are perhaps producing long awaited root vegetables.
If you enjoy gardening, or are involved in farming of any kind, you will know that there is much work involved across the seasons. We give thanks for a harvest safely gathered in only after months of hard labour. From planting to spraying, from weeding to gathering stones, from combining to baling, from pruning to deadheading. And timing can be so important. If you miss the window of good weather, a crop can be lost or much harder to get. Some years are bountiful and some are not, and its not always down to effort.
Jesus used the imagery of gardening and farming to convey something of our relationship with God and our calling to live our lives in obedience to him. We are chosen to bear fruit. God does the grafting and provides what is necessary for fruit to grow. We are called to abide in him - to love him - to follow his commands. We are called to be faithful. And in being faithful, there will be a harvest of fruit that glorifies God.
I am particularly struck by the language of Psalm 1:
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,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 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.
To yield fruit in season sounds so joyous and satisfying. The image is of someone full of life and who brings life to others. Or perhaps, brings others to life. It is a beautiful, dynamic, attractive image. And I can't help but yearn to be like that person.
Which causes me to consider my own life. Where is the fruitfulness that Jesus speaks of? What pruning needs to happen for there to be new growth?
I wonder where are you bearing fruit in season? What is God bringing to fruition in your life? What stage of the harvest are you in? Is the coming season one of preparation, or are you seeing something come to completion?
Are we being faithful and abiding in Jesus, and in his words? Do we need some TLC, some water, some nourishment?
In whatever way you might mark harvest this year, whether in schools or in church, or simply in enjoying the food that's being gathered in, give some thought to these questions for yourself, and for your congregation. And ask the Lord of the harvest for his insight, as well as his continuing presence in your life.
Rev Stella
