Pruned To Remain

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door"- Matthew 24:32-33 (NIV).

My peach tree is in full bloom and little green leaves are emerging. This is exciting for me, because last year I finally got a harvest: one peach. This is a tree I had not wanted, but my sweet daughter planted it anyway. That one peach had me Googling how to prune a peach tree to get a larger harvest of peaches this year. Today's Scripture is about a harvest. 'All these things' were the events Jesus prophesied would precede His return. Then the disciples asked Him when would 'all these things' happen. Spring makes me think of the day Jesus will return. He'll return with power and great glory. "And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other" (v. 31). All the prophecies concerning Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection have taken place; what Christians wait for is the fulfillment of the last prophecy: His return...for His harvest. God is pruning creation, even now, to produce a large harvest. I felt sorry for the branches I had removed from the peach tree. Some still had blossoms on them, some with buds not yet opened. Scripture came to mind as I gathered up those branches and carried them off. We are Christ's branches, pruned to bear Him fruit; if we remain in Him; attached to Him. Jesus said, "If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned" (John 15:6). Prune away, blessed Lord, that we may bear more fruit; for we will remain in You.