A Morning of Weeding Yields a Fruitful Analogy

Yet another morning in the weeds! No, I mean literally. In the weeds. Weeding with a local group at a local historical site. It's necessary work; it's beneficial work; and, as the object is to destroy all vegetation my brown thumb contacts, it's safe for any and all things growing intentionally. 

Our youngest and I were having a good time clearing weeds and debris from around some young saplings when a more horticulturally savvy volunteer pointed out that the cage we were clearing surrounded a dead tree. I'd noticed the growth around the bottom but never looked at the branches on top. They were good for nothing but kindling. He speculated that maybe the tree could still survive. I suggested that, even if it didn't, clearing the weeds would make it visible to those running this show, and they could make the determination as to what to do with it. We came to an agreement, and I continued clearing. As I worked, I began rolling around in my head something of a biblical analogy.

In Matthew 7:15-19, Jesus uses a tree to illustrate the works of false prophets. False prophets were a thing in Jesus' day and, we are warned, will be a thing throughout our days. Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell of 2819 Church in his sermon on this passage reminds listeners that trees are very different from plants and vines that produce fruit in a short period of time. You can tell if your tomato plant is really a weed in a matter of weeks; but a tree's growth occurs slowly and must be monitored for a longer period of time. Likewise, the false prophet. We must be careful not to give credence to those we've observed for only a little while; those who we've heard preach a time or two; those who produce powerful shorts on social media. Just as the tree before me would need to be observed for a bit, to see if those green sprigs surrounding the trunk would amount to anything. Or it would all be good for nothing but kindling.

And I thought about the difference in our perspectives, how that impacted our assessment of the tree. I, crawling around on the ground from tree to tree, never noticed the lack of life at the top of the tree. Another volunteer, moving through the area at full stature, saw nothing but death. Our perspective, our life experiences can cause us to be attracted to or place value in the words of a prophet. Grief can draw us to words of comfort. Guilt can cause us to crave the assurance of justification. But what does Scripture say? And is this prophet preaching the words of God? Perspective changes; it can alter our assessment. Scripture stands firm and is truth.

Lastly, the decision to clear the weeds anyway. Clearing away the vines and brambles that kept the tree hidden from view would serve one of two purposes: to reveal life or make the determination of death almost effortless. Some of those who preach a false gospel come with a lot of trappings. Expensive possessions and imposing titles. Some have legions of personnel surrounding them. They have degrees and endorsements. And none of those things is bad, in and of itself; we all have need of some measure of earthly goods. But for some, that's part of their false and formulaic appeal: You, too, can be as blessed as I am! We were never told to be impressed by the things of this world, and we were certainly never called to pursue them. The teachers we sit under should not be doing so either. When we clear away the trappings of our leaders (even of ourselves) --the vines that tend to bind us all to this world, the need for income and community, and the brambles that can catch us all up and pull us away from the things of God, earthly responsibilities that take up our time and demand our attention --when we clear these things away, we will come to one of two conclusions: there is life hidden beneath it all that will one day bear healthful, wholesome fruit, or it is all good for nothing but kindling.

We need to assess those who lead us and teach us; regularly, and for seasons on end. We need to submit ourselves to the assessment of the Holy Spirit and heed His correction that we might bear fruit. We must use the words of our Bible to do both. It is our Heavenly Gardner's guide. He will prune and weed and cast away that which is of no benefit, keeping safe any and all things growing by His intention.      

 

Midweek: The Jonathan Edwards Study Bible, NKJV

Welcome to Wednesday and the chance to explore a great study Bible with me! Great because it's from our friends at Thomas Nelson who are so kind in providing me with a complimentary copy of this wonderful text for my review. And, great because this Bible comes loaded with quotes from the 18th-century pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards; his writings, sermons, and letters. Edwards, if you don't know, became a licensed pastor at the age of nineteen, assumed his father-in-law's pastorate at the age of twenty-six, and preached his most famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, to an initially not-so commendatory response (a response which has, over time, shifted). Edwards himself once argued, "If I am in danger of hell, I shall be glad to know as much as I possibly can of the dreadfulness of it." The Jonathan Edwards Study Bible from Thomas Nelson is a beautiful tribute to his life and work. The copy I received is bound in genuine black leather, embossed with Jonathan Edwards initials in gold script on the front, a stamped binding (Smyth-sewn, allowing the book to lie flat when open), and two satin ribbon bookmarks. The print is 9-point Comfort Print® in double-column format; red-letter edition, New King James translation.   

From the front-matter of the book:

Inside this Bible, you will find:

• * Commentary on the Scriptures by Edwards in the form of study notes located at the bottom of the page.
• * Over eighty essays to guide you through Edward's work and impact on the church, including factors that helped him ignite the flames of the First Great Awakening.
• * Charts relaying information on places, people, doctrine, sermons, and key moments in the First Great Awakening central in the life of Edwards.      

Additionally (and this is from Thomas Nelson's website) features include:

• * Articles on specific doctrinal topics for focused theological study
• * Full-page essays covering Edwards’ theology, life, spiritual practices, and the first Great Awakening
• * Introduction to Edwards’ miscellanies note-taking system with space to develop your own Bible study method
• * Translator notes at the bottom of each page for added clarity
• * Maps and concordance for reference and deeper study

If all that isn't enough, this edition includes Edward's sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God and another, Heaven Is a World of Love, in their entirety. Also included are a list of practices and rigors for pursuing a life devoted to God, his Resolutions of 1722, written as the new year bore down on him. They are an exercise in circumspection as well as a caution against legalism.  

There is just a ton of stuff going on here! Now, I've said before, I am not a "bells-and-whistles" kinda gal, however, for this, I could be persuaded: I've been a fan of this devoted pastor since my homeschooling days. Edward's legacy is celebrated honorably, and his input makes this edition inspirational and informative. My admiration notwithstanding, it is truly a beautiful Bible and would make a wonderful gift for anyone looking to explore the depths of God's love for us. It retails for $139.99 but is available for preorder (release date: August 18, 2026) through Amazon for $103.85 or christianbook.com for $103.65. 

Clearing Things Up

Is this better? or is this better?

It's silly, I know, but I used to hate going to the optometrist. When I told people I'd rather go to the dentist, they'd look at me like I was nuts. But here's the thing: there's no pressure to get it right at the dentist. You sit there, mouth agape, and the hygienist does all the work. At the optometrist, however, there are questions. If you don't get them right, you could theoretically, wind up with contact lenses that cause you to awkwardly blow kisses at a neighbor instead of your spouse. And there is a medical professional who controls the entire process, who has the power to show you the same lens over and over and quietly judge you when you declare Number Three isn't nearly as sharp as Number Two. There are consequences! 

I'd like to think I've outgrown those neuroses. Likewise, I'd like to think the Holy Spirit is transforming a lot of things about me. And He is! In fact, Scripture assures me He will. Philippians 1:6 (ESV) says: 

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Is that great news, or what?! But how does all of this transpire? Well, let's go back to the optometrist for a moment. You call the office and work with a scheduler to make the appointment. You arrive at the office and walk into the building procured and maintained by the business. You're handed the necessary paperwork, and you fill it out. The optometrist calls you to the examination room, and you sit in the seat. He or she shows you a series of screens, and you read off the images visible to you. Then, there are those lenses I mentioned. Is this better? or is this better? The entire process requires your submission and the professional's expertise. Think about that. The optometrist establishes the order of operation. The optometrist decides which eye will be treated first, covering the one while concentrating on the other. The optometrist chooses the lenses; some may, for an instant cause double-vision or discomfort. But it's all part of the process. As you cycle through the exam together, you obey his instructions, you move at his pace, you methodically follow the process he has established. You trust that, even in those moments you couldn't see anything clearly, your doctor is trustworthy and knowledgeable. At or near the end of the exam, the moment comes when the best lenses are found. Both eyes are uncovered. What was once blurred and indistinguishable is now crisp and clear. Double-vision has been reconciled, and parts are integrated. Together you and your optometrist have achieved the desired goal --perfect (or near-perfect) function. 

As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we know we will one day experience perfect function. The Holy Spirit is working now to sanctify us and, as the Scripture above promises, will continue to do so. But our cooperation is required: we must submit to all our Specialist is requiring us to do and not do. We must, as we do at the optometrist, concede that He works at His pace, in His way, and He knows what He is doing. The success of our treatment depends on His direction and our willingness to follow it. 

    No matter what.

        Even if we'd rather be getting our teeth cleaned.