FRUIT THAT REMAINS

Many years ago when we had only been in Mexico for a short time we were in a dry, barren land.  That was when a man of God came to us and said God had given him this Scripture and told him to give it to us.

“Ye have not chosen me,  but I have chosen you,  and ordained you,  that ye should go and bring forth fruit,  AND THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN . . .”  John 15:16

A few weeks ago I was privileged to be asked by the family of a young man who had been killed in an automobile accident to participate in that young man’s funeral.  As I sat with the family and friends of that young man (his name was Benny) I wept with them over the loss of this 28 year old son, but I also rejoiced at the faithfulness of God and thanked Him for the privilege of being a party of this young man’s life.

Benny was an unusual young man in Mexican society and culture.  He was a third generation Christian.  Fifty plus years ago when we first arrived in Mexico to do the work God had placed on our hearts, Benny’s grandparents were one of the very first families we met.  They became fervent Christians and his grandfather began to travel through the rural areas of southern Durango and northern Zacatecas taking the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the small towns and villages of those states.  Bro. Chema was one of the most uniquely talented persons musically I have ever known.  There was not a string instrument he picked up that he could not play:  every type of guitar, violin, bass fiddle, or mandolin, it made no difference.  He could play them all.

There have been several times within the past fifty years during our time of service in Mexico, that I have wondered if we were really accomplishing anything for the Kingdom of God.  But that day as I sat in the funeral for young Benny I rejoiced and thanked God for the joy of being  chosen by Him to take the Gospel to this family.  From both sides of the family, there were relatives of this young man who came to know the Lord years ago and were still serving God on this sad day.  It was fruit that has remained.

There aren’t many people who have the privilege of seeing with their own eyes fifty years later the fruit of what they have sown.  But, I was privileged to have that experience.  As it turned out, it was fruit that remained and that still remains.

Days will come when anyone involved in the end time harvest will be discouraged and will wonder if what they are doing is worth the price that is being paid for that harvest by their own lives and the lives of their children.  If we can remember that God does give fruit that remains, we will continue, joyfully, on our journey.