“They that dwell under His Shadow shall return. . .From Me is your fruit found.”
Hosea 14:7a, 8c
Our fruitfulness is dependent upon our location.
“As a tree planted by the rivers of water.”
That’s the way the psalmist described those who “walk not in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful and whose delight is in the Law of the Lord and in that Law he meditates (lit., ‘chews the cud’) day and night” (Ps. 1:1-2).
This “departing from” sinful ways (and company) and “delighting in” the Word of God always results in spiritual fruitfulness. Why is that? Because the one who does so becomes like a “tree PLANTED”. . .not some wild root that randomly sprang up in the wilderness. . .but a greatly-loved, cultivated, watered-and-fertilized fruit tree. . .intentionally located by the rivers of water. . .not just one river or stream. . .but many rivers. . .rivers that flow from God’s Throne of Grace and Mercy. . .providing life-giving sustenance even in the driest of times. . . which results in leaves that will not wither. . .continual spiritual prosperity. . .and ripe, delicious fruit in its season” (Ps. 1:3).
Isn’t that a glorious Promise, dear Pilgrim?
Most assuredly it is.
Yet, it’s only true of those who “dwell under God’s shadow.” Those who “abide in Him” (Jn. 15:1-7). The ones who are “yoked to Him” (Mt. 11:28-30) and “walk in His Spirit” (Rom. 8:1).
Simply put, there’ll be no fruit if there is no fellowship.
And, there’ll be no fellowship if there’s been no life-changing new birth or if one’s playing the prodigal or harlot and has run away from God to “the far country” (Lk. 15:11ff).
No, only those who “dwell (Heb. ‘yashab’—‘settle down on, sit down, remain, continually abide, remain, establish a residence, etc.’) under His shadow” will daily, actively engage in a “turning to” the Lord and a “turning from” sin (repentance). And, only then will there be an enjoying of the Spirit’s delectable fruits of “Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Only then.
How sweet it is to dwell in “the Shadow of the Almighty” (Ps. 91:1).
He is our Refuge from the storm and the Shade from the intense heat of oppression. All those who dwell there know “His Banner over them is Love” (Song of Sol. 2:4) and their security is found “in the Hollow of His Hand, from which no one can pluck them” (Jn. 10:29; Is. 49:15-16). Hallelujah!!
Do you feel Jesus’ near-Presence this morning, dear Pilgrim? Do you hear Him quietly whispering your Name even as you read these words? Do you feel His loving arms around you, drawing you near to His Heart? You should—if you are “dwelling in His Shadow.” Why not pause right now and “be still and know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10)? Capture your thoughts. Calm your heart. Rest in Him. And, then enjoy the Fragrance of His Fellowship.
January 13, 2012
