Beyond Babies: God's Greater Purpose for Fruitfulness
It was never about just having babies! Now some of my older readers might be stirring because they have already told their married children it is absolutely about birthing babies because they want grandchildren!
There is no doubt that when God originally, and somewhat frequently, told Adam and Eve, Noah, Jacob, and others to be fruitful and multiply there was a clear intention of having children and grandchildren. Population growth was part of the directive, but the whole of scripture suggests that being fruitful and multiplying was and is about much more.
In Psalm 92:12-15, David writes that the righteous will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar. Later in this verse David said that this “flourishing” takes place in the courts of the Lord. What follows is wonderful news for all of us as we age: “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”
In this context, being fruitful has to do with the righteous living that can only take place when we maintain communion with God and remain in Christian community. The result of this communion with God and his saints is consistent with the words of Jesus found in John 15. Consider these excerpts from Jesus’ instructions to his disciples:
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (John 15:7-8, 16 ESV)
God loves to see his image bearers reflect his goodness in every possible way. He loves to see families grow by having children and grandchildren. But his idea of being fruitful and multiplying is ultimately a focus of kingdom multiplication. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave these instructions to his disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
On Pentecost God used the apostles to launch his kingdom expansion through his church. After his Damascus road experience, Paul joined the 12 and the church grew and expanded even more. God’s design was and is for everyone to experience eternal life with him. Jesus came to offer the forgiveness of our sins and for everyone to receive an abundant life.
Paul taught in Colossians that while we are called to be disciple makers, fruitfulness is also about our spiritual growth and maturity:
“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
So no matter our age or stage of life, we can step into God’s plan as we do grow in Christ, bear fruit in every good work, and fulfill our call as disciple makers.
Father, thank you for saving us and including us in your plan to share the good news of Jesus far and wide. We pray that your Holy Spirit would continue to shape us into your image, that our lives would reflect your goodness and grace to everyone around us. May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven today and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
You’re Time with God’s Word
Genesis 1:28, 48:3-4; Psalm 92:12-15; Matthew 7:19, 28:19-20; Colossians 1:10 ESV
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