"Every Branch That Does Bear Fruit HE Prunes"

God has three axes! 
(J.R. Miller)

God has three axes! 
One HE uses in pruning HIS trees, 
that the fruitful branches may bring 
forth more fruit. The work of this axe 
is not judgment or destruction--
but mercy and blessing. 

It is the good, the fruitful tree--
which feels its keen edge. 

"Every branch that does bear fruit 
HE prunes, so that it will be even 
more fruitful." John 15:2 

Then GOD has another axe, 
which HE uses only in judgment 
in cutting down those trees which 
after all HIS culture of them, 
bring forth no fruit. 

"The axe already lies at the root 
of the trees, and every tree that 
does not produce good fruit, will 
be cut down and thrown into the fire!" 
Matthew 3:10. 

The picture is very suggestive. 
The axe at the tree's root, or raised 
in the woodman's hand to strike--
shows that judgment impends, 
hangs ready to fall. At any 
moment, the tree may 
be cut down! 

"Cut it down! Why should it 
use up the soil!" Luke 13:7

The axe of death really lies 
all the while, at the root of every 
life. There is not a moment 
when it is not true--
that there is but a step 
between us and death! 

Life is all very critical. There 
is not a moment in any day, 
on which may not turn all 
the destinies of eternity. 

It certainly is an infinitely 
perilous thing, for an immortal 
soul to rest an hour with the axe 
of judgment waiting to strike the blow 
which will end the day of mercy forever! 

Only supremest folly can be blind 
men to such vital interests!

   ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

GraceGems has published Timothy Shay Arthur's very interesting short story, 
"The Eleventh Commandment".