William Healey
God’s Orchard
Just after sunrise, I took a walk alone down a country lane far from any houses or barns and came upon a small break in the hedge alongside the lane, and through the hedge I saw a small orchard. There were only a few apple trees there, but these trees were heaving with new apples - huge, fresh, shining red and luscious. But growing up around these trees were tall, wild weeds and brambles. There seemed no paths through the thick brush, and I could see no machinery or other equipment. Truly, it appeared that this small orchard, tucked away behind a country hedge, had been forgotten or overlooked for a very long time.
I was struck by the sight. Sensing in my spirit that I had come upon this orchard in this place, at this time for a reason, I asked, "Lord, I see this - but, what are you telling me?" The Lord answered with a question, "What strikes you about this orchard?" I replied, "It seems no one even knows this orchard is here. Lord, why would you go to such trouble to cause these trees to produce such incredibly gorgeous, luscious apples if there's never anyone around to see or to taste them?"
I heard God reply, "I never stop making such fruit, for that is Who I am. Whether my children wish to come find them - and then choose to taste them – are choices they must make." As I pondered this, I heard the Lord say, "Will you come take an apple?" I felt myself attracted - but immediately thoughts flooded my head: Maybe these apples are intended for or belong to someone else - I don't want to steal. Anyway, looks like it will take a lot of effort to get through all those weeds and brambles. And besides, I am rather late and must get back to the conference centre - I have so much to do this morning.
So, as I turned away I suddenly heard the Lord say, "That's why my apples remain untasted."I stopped cold and felt convicted deep in my heart. And there on the lane, surrounded by empty fields, I cried to the Lord and asked for His forgiveness - and received it. Then, looking once more through the hedge into the small orchard, I asked the Lord, "OK, so ... What should I do now? Should I go pick on of those apples and taste it?"
"You just did," He replied.