GENESIS 26: 1-13

The relationship between a tree and its branches is simple. The tree is planted in
and has direct contact with the soil. The tree holds the identity and the resource
for growth. The branches express the fruitfulness that is within the tree. The
branches receive nutrient and support from the tree. The branches exist and
survive by remaining connected to the tree. The branch has no fruit of its own or
nutrient of its own, it is simply an extension of the tree. Whenever the branch is
disconnected from its source, the tree, it dies. It is easy to see why Jesus used this
analogy to explain the relationship between He, the Redeemer, and every
believer (John 15:1-5). Fruitfulness is in Christ Jesus. It is in Him that all things find
existence and hold together (Colossians 1:17). The pursuit of fulfilment of outside
of Him is as wise as a branch seeking to bear fruit after it has detached itself from
the tree. The hope of living out all His great plans for us rest on accepting and
remaining in a life-union with Him (John. 15:5).

This relationship is seen in the life of Isaac. First, he received instruction on where
he should be and where he should not go. It would make sense to flee a land
experiencing famine in search of greener pasture. However, he heard the Lord
and obeyed the instruction. He moved by faith and diligence to sow in a land that
was experiencing famine. Logic would have suggested that it would be wiser to
preserve his seed for later, but he knew God as the Omniscient One. He knew that
to be fruitful, moving by faith is as important as praying and receiving instruction
(James. 1:22). This is because our Father always presents us with opportunities to
step out by faith on His instructions to show that we trust in Him (Hebrews 11:6).
He was not daunted by the tediousness of sowing in a famine. He knew that God’s
promises do not excuse us from diligence (Proverbs. 10:4). He remained in
dependence by waiting on God’s leading. He avoided unfruitfulness by acting on
God’s leading. This is an example we can learn from. To be fruitful, we must abide
in Him in utter dependence and complete obedience. To avoid unfruitfulness, we
must step out in faith and diligence to see the treasures laid up for us within His
promises.

PRAYER FOCUS. Lord, teach me to treasure Your leading and to wait for You
patiently till I receive it. Lord, empower me to act on your leading for my life in
Jesus’ Name.