Made to Bear Fruit to the Glory of God

In family worship, we have reading from the book of Ezekiel. There are a lot of deep and awesome truths found in that book, some of which unlock other controversies that we have yet to understand.

Throughout the coming weeks, I will write about the book of Ezekiel based on various points my family members bring out each night. I pray that you will blessed.

What is my purpose on this earth? Why did God make me?

This evening in worship, we read from Ezekiel 15. Its eight verses left a deep impression and an important lesson. God did for me for a purpose. And He strives to lead me in that purpose. But, I can only attain to that purpose when I am fully connected to Him.

Are you connected?

My dad connected the chapter with John 15:5-6, 8:

I [Jesus] am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.
If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ...
Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.

The Lord points out to Ezekiel that the vine tree's purpose is not decorative or constructive or organizational. Vines are not used to make pegs and pins for hanging things; nor are they used to build houses. No: vines are made to bear fruit. Hundreds of years before, in the book of Isaiah, we see that Israel was meant to bear grapes - but instead they brought forth wild, unruly, and sour grapes. What good is it then?

I am made to bear fruit. That is what glorifies the Father; that is what proclaims the Son; that is what justifies Their character. If I do not fulfill my God-appointed mission, what then am I good for?

Sometimes we want to be like the other "trees of the forest." We want sing like them, dress like them, attend the schools they do, etc. But is that what God meant you to be? Is that where He intends you to go?

For me, the struggle was learning to play sacred music on the French horn. Who does that? To learn classical music seems to make sense, to be expected of me. On the other hand, many younger musicians are perfecting pop and other genres on the horn. But what glorifies God? "...Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God..."

What is your struggle? What pull does the world have on you? In what areas of your life do you struggle to abide fully in Christ and His will?

Oh be careful little eyes what you see;

Oh be careful little eyes what you see!

For the Father up above is looking down in love:

Oh be careful little eyes what you see!