DESIRING THE FIRST-FRUIT

HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.” Micah 7:1

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8

You desire to have fruit from me, good Gardener. Not certainly the weeds of actual and hideous sin. Not the barrenness and emptiness of a life indifferent to You. Not the works of the flesh, nor yet the works of the soul, wrought in irksomeness and pride. Not only the flowers of natural disposition and grace. No — but fruit of Your creating, fruit that comes spontaneously from the new heart, the fruit of Canaan and not of Egypt.

But this is not all. You desire the first-ripe fruit. The fig in its sweetness. The apple when its juices are fullest and richest. The barley and wheat with ears compact and overflowing.

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CONFLICT OF INTEREST

I notice how easily the ripe fruit can be distinguished from the leaves that are about it, and You tell me that there must be no doubt about my devotion. Make me franker, more decided, more single-hearted. I notice how the ripe fruit brims over with luscious delight — and You tell me that I must be full of mercy and goodness and gentleness and patience. I notice how the ripe fruit hangs its head — and You tell me that I should be clothed with humility; teach me here, as well as there, to cast my crown before Your throne. And I notice how the ripe fruit takes on the colour of the sun which ripens it, and You tell me that I must grow up into the perfection of Christ; give me, my God, more of this Sunlight which never was on sea or land.

I would not altogether disappoint the heavenly Gardener who entrusted me with the garden.