Read Hosea 10:1-11:11.

Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly refers to Israel as a vine or vineyard, one which God Himself nurtured. He planted it to produce abundant good fruit for His glory. But instead of yielding beautiful, delicious fruit, Israel produced toxic fruit. On the outside, it looked magnificent—“a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit” (Hosea 10:1, ESV); it was lush, full, and green—enticing. But on closer inspection, the grapes were sour and even pernicious.

In light of the similarities between Hosea’s day and ours—in which God’s people appeared to serve the Lord while inwardly living for themselves—we must honestly test our hearts. We must ask, Do I bear the fruit of peace, joy, love, and unity, or do I produce division, heartache, and indifference?

There are churches across our land today that look like a luxuriant vine, but inside there is poisonous fruit. They open the Bible but deny it as God’s self-revelation. They preach Jesus, but they view Him as a mere man—a good example, but not the Son of God and certainly not the only way of salvation. Beware these churches with their alluring yet deadly fruit.

At the same time, there are born-again Christian who are producing sour fruit. Remember the example of Israel in Hosea. Producing bad, poisonous fruit will bring the discipline of God. That’s because God disciplines those He loves (see Hebrews 12:6)—indeed, He’s heartbroken over our apostasy, self-centeredness, and lukewarmness toward Him. And yet, in His grace, He calls us to return to Him (see Hosea 11:8-11). So we must check our hearts and be honest about the fruit we are bearing—is it for God or for ourselves?

When Israel failed to serve God as witnesses to the world, in the fullness of time, He sent His only begotten Son—the true vine (see John 15:1). Jesus made it clear that if we would be saved, we must be established in Him. He taught us the key to true fruitfulness: “Remain in me, . . . Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4). Abide with Jesus. Rest in Him. But be ever vigilant, that you might not compromise the Truth for your comfort. Rooted in Christ, we will bear the good fruit God is looking for!

Prayer: Father, reveal to me the bad fruit in my life so I can be transformed for Your good purposes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones” (Hosea 10:1).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Hope and Forgiveness in Times of Judgment, The Luxuriant Vine: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!