The Nature Of The PropheticSample

Good Fruit

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)

Good fruit is a symbol used many times in scripture to illustrate a principle. The apostle Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians chapter 5, and in John 15, Jesus speaks about abiding in the vine and bearing much fruit. These metaphors illustrate how we produce godly ‘fruit’ (spiritual life outcomes) when we stay in relationship with God and obey His commands. 

Studying an actual fruit tree tells us a lot. In order to bear fruit, most fruit trees must be cross-pollinated. This means that one fruit tree requires another tree of the same kind to pollinate them. For an apple tree to grow apples, another apple tree must be planted somewhere nearby. Bees, birds, or insects then carry the pollen from one tree to the other, ensuring the tree will produce fruit.

What does this mean for the prophetic? It goes without saying that firstly we require the divine wisdom that comes from heaven to receive revelation in the first place. But in order to bear fruit there is something more: we need cross-pollination. We need the input of others who carry prophetic gifts. 

Greater spiritual health and growth results when we are positioned near people who are different to us but carry the same prophetic DNA. We become spiritually sharpened through their wisdom, advice, guidance, and support. Scripture encourages us to “Walk with the wise and become wise…” (Proverbs 13:20). 

Fruit has seed, and therefore can reproduce. God created us in His image, and God created His nature and character to be reproduced through us. Therefore, the wisdom that comes from heaven should result in seed; and that seed should multiply thirty, sixty or even a hundred times more in good soil. The fruit of our lives should influence and stir up the gift of the prophetic in others. Our seed should produce more prophetic people who will receive revelation from heaven.