God's Calling for Mankind

When looking for Jesus in Genesis 1:26-31 & 2:8-9,15-24, the word fruit stood out to me. I thought of all of the times that Jesus talks of fruit in the New Testament. When looking specifically at the calling that God gave to us: “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it (the earth).” - Genesis 1:28 And connecting it to Jesus’ words:

“A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs aren’t gathered from thornbushes or grapes picked from a bramble bush. A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart. “ Luke 6:43-45 (CSB)

It brings a whole new meaning. From this perspective, it’s so much more than having a fruitful womb, multiplying ourselves, and filling the earth with our offspring. Being fruitful means we are to be someone who reflects His image. We are to spread His goodness to where it fills the earth.

We are then called to subdue the earth. This isn’t a call to a controlling dictatorship though. We’ve seen through Jesus’ example that God works very differently.

James words it well: “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy in your heart, don’t boat and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.“ James 3:13-18 (CSB)

Right after God gives them their calling, He provides them with exactly what they need to fulfill the calling that He has given them.

“Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you.” Genesis 1:29 (CSB)

What fruit does Jesus give us?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Jesus doesn’t give us a calling and then just leave us there to do it on our own getting frustrated if we fail. He is right there with us through it all. He equips us and guides us. All He asks is that we receive that truth.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” John 15:1-8 (CSB)

* This devotional is a part of the Bible study: Conecting the Dots to Jesus - Chapter 2 Dot 1:Adam (day 1) Which can be found at: https://encouragement-prevails.ck.page/profile

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