When my family first moved to Riverside (thirty-plus years ago) I remember driving by an orange tree that caught my attention because of the odd location. You would think such a beautiful tree would be nestled amongst other trees in one of the orange groves that still grew around many of the neighborhoods back then.

But no, this tree stood on the corner of a busy intersection flanked by concrete sidewalks, apartment buildings and businesses. It was shielded from foot traffic by a short iron fence around it. There was a brass plaque in front but I had no idea of the tree’s significance until recently, when the internet helped me find the history of this tree.

It’s called the Parent Navel Orange Tree and does, indeed, have a fascinating story. This tree is the first of its kind in this country, sent to a woman named Eliza Tibbets who planted it—right where it stands today—in 1873. Because it produces fruit larger than other orange varieties, the juicy sweet and seedless navel orange came to be in great demand.

More trees were grown from its buds, sparking the successful citrus industry that put Riverside on the map. The origin of every navel orange grown and enjoyed today can be traced back to this one tree.

A living treasure, for sure!

 

But with the passing of time its surroundings changed. Layers of protection were added through the years. First, an enormous net was draped over the entire tree to keep pests and other hazards from harming its branches and fruit.

In recent years a massive steel mesh enclosure was installed to completely surround the tree. A wrought iron fence keeps passers-by from getting too close. If the light is right, you can see the hazy silhouette of its canopy.

All these measures—intended to protect and preserve—obscure what I can only assume is still a vibrant, fruitful tree. Who sees it? Who is fortunate enough to partake of its fruit?

 

Driving past it one day prompted a conversation with my husband Jeff. We had sweet dialogue on what Scripture teaches about healthy trees and spiritual fruit.

Psalm 1 likens the faithful believer to a tree:

“How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers. Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 CSB).

Caring for and protecting the tree is a very good thing. The psalmist says as much! But for what purpose? To bear fruit of course! Fruit is meant to be eaten and shared, and the same is true for spiritual fruit.  As we talked, other scriptures came to mind.

 

A Fruitful Legacy

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7  CSB).

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV).

In my mind, I picture lifting a child up to reach that beautiful old tree with boughs of sweet fruit, ripe for the picking!

 

Our grandchildren are learning the songs in church that our own children grew up singing. A favorite of theirs (ours too!) is This Little Light of Mine. They sing loud with such delight and all the hand motions to act it out…

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…

Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine…

Won’t let Satan [blow!] it out, I’m gonna let it shine…

Let it shine ‘til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine!

Which brings to mind another verse deeply precious to me:

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth” (3 John 1:4 NKJV).

 

The Vine

It wasn’t long, of course, before our conversation about a healthy, fruit-bearing life turned to the expert source of it all.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NLT).

Jesus is the original vine! All fruit that glorifies God and every blessing we enjoy can be traced back to Him. He is the source of our life and He chooses to produce lasting fruit in us—season after season, for as long as we live.

 

It’s remarkable to think how many trees were propagated with cuttings from that stately old orange tree. Through the decades she has weathered frost, heat, insects, and disease. It requires more delicate pruning these days, but consistently removing dead wood and live shoots keeps it healthy.  Well into her second century, she’s still bearing bushels of fruit.

Friends, what a picture this is of the fruitful life Jesus wants to grow in us!

Perhaps you feel stuck where you’re planted, forgotten and unnoticed in the busy traffic of life. Change can be unsettling—and waiting for change can be discouraging. Sink your roots deep, remain attached to the vine.

Whether you’re a young sapling or a seasoned tree, don’t let the cares of this life cause you to isolate or erect barriers that limit access to what God, in His perfect love, is allowing to bear fruit in your life. Don’t give up! Let your let shine for Jesus wherever you are planted.