“Known By Your Fruit!”

“Known By Your Fruit!”(Lk.6:43-49).
A one time colleague lecturer at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary designed an elective course on Hermeneutics titled “Working With The Word!” One student who was already a pastor challenged the course saying that he does not have to take that course because the pastoral ministry is about working with the word.
For me it’s never too late to learn anything new. When I succeeded that lecturer as Director of Academic Affairs, I considered that Hermeneutics deserved a full place as a compulsory course. However, some people argue that Hermeneutics should not be seperated from Exegesis.
Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpretation. Biblical exegesis is incomplete without biblical hermeneutics.
This whole week we have dwelled on the importance of working with the word.
And as we conclude the week I think each one of us should be more introspective. The clock is ticking and time is running fast. I have lost count of the number of funerals I have attended. Some of the dead much younger than I am.
Does my being alive mean that I am better than those who have died? One day I will sleep the everlasting sleep, just like the others.
But who am I? What am I? It doesn’t matter what conclusion you may draw about me. Maybe it doesn’t matter what conclusion I draw about myself!
One thing is clear: Between you and I, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. What comes out of each one of us, be it in speech or action tells a lot about who we are. If we belong to Jesus and claim that he is Lord, we must do what he says.
Working with the word means when we come to Jesus and hear his words, we must put them into practice.
Weekend prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, let the meditation of my heart and the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.