In Chapter 19 we are called to live holy lives, but what does this acutally look like? This is the picture our Lord has painted for us throughout this chapter. He began by commanding us to:
1. Honor our parents.
2. To have no idols.
3. To geninely worship Him (understanding that geninue worship begins on Monday)
4. To love others by meeting needs, and not passing judgment.
5. Don’t be unequally yoked.

We might think that all of these are just random, but really they build upon each other.

So we look at our passage, understanding that there were three usual types of trees planted in this area, the Olive tree, the Fig tree, and the Date Palm. Each tree, according to research, take about 3 - 5 years to begin bearing edible fruit.

This is amazing because our text reads:
1. The fruit of a new tree is forbidden for the first 3 years.
2. The fruit of a new tree is dedicated to the Lord for the 4th year.
3. The fruit of a new treee can be enjoyed from the 5th year on.

I think about how long they tended these trees, and then having to wait, wow. The point here in this passage is that our Lord desires and deserves our best. He is always to be first in every aspect of our lives.

But we are not planting trees, are we? So how does this apply to me? I read an interesting spin on this passage, and it is from this thought that leads us forward.

Our Lord refers to us as fruit bearing trees often. Jesus often states that everyone will know who you belong too by the fruit you bear. So what is necessary for us to do in order to bear good fruit. There are a few things connected with our passage we need to consider.
1. We are not called to plant trees, but we are called to plant seeds where our Lord has planted us. A seed was once planted in us.
2. Once that seed is planted it will need some tender loving care. This care must be intentional on our part.
3. Next we are to dedicate ourselves to the LORD.
4. Finally we begin to produce fruit.

It is not a question if we produce fruit, but rather what type we produce.