LIFE SCRIPTS

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, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 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. 

Psalms 1:1‭-‬3 NIV 

Picture the tomato fruits on the vines below. 

They look set for ripening and nearly ready for harvest. 

However, look at the vines and the conditions of their leaves… 

They look battered and diseased. 

Though struck with diseases, they have soldiered on and bore fruit. 

At the end of the day as a farmer, I am looking at the fruit yield.  

I ensure to take care of the vines not just for the sake of it but so that they bear fruit. 

Given, my effort may not succeed against all pests and diseases but at the end of the day, I require fruit from the vines. 

In the bible, it is normal for farming analogies to be used to demonstrate the things of the Kingdom of God. 

In the first Psalm, is no different.  

It makes reference of a tree planted by the river which bears fruit in season. 

The psalmist is making comparison between this tree and a person who refuses to yield to sin in the company of others. 

Such is our state in our world. 

We are surrounded by all manner of temptations to sin. 

Just like the tomato vine, we at times take the hit and are battered by sin. 

We are bruised and damaged.  

But Who are we anchored on? 

The tomato vine is anchored onto the soil from where it receives nutrients. 

The tree is anchored onto a water source…the river from where it gets nourishment. 

This doesn’t guarantee freedom from pests and diseases. 

However, it guarantees yielding of fruit. 

Just like my tomato vines, we shall be bruised and battered by sin. 

But at the end of the day, if our anchor is Christ, we shall bear fruit.