PROFESSOR AND THE ORANGE
Bible Text: Galatians 5:22-23
A Professor took an orange to the classroom and he began by asking a brilliant student, “If I squeeze this orange, what will I get?”. The boy looked at him and answered, “Juice, of course!”. The professor said, “Don’t you think I could get pineapple juice from it?”. Laughing, he said “No”. “What about apple juice?”. He said, “Impossible”. Then, the professor asked, “Why? Why would I get orange juice from an orange?”.
The student answered, “Well, it is an orange, and that is what it has on the inside”. The professor nodded and said, “That’s right! Let’s think that this is not an orange, but it is you. If someone pressurises you and says things you don’t like. You get offended. Anger, bitterness, hatred, and fear come out of you. Why did this happen?”.
The boy answered, “Because those things are on the inside”. Now, let’s consider what’s inside of you and me, because Matthew 15:18 says, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man”. Jesus was squeezed (beaten), insulted, humiliated, and treated worse than a criminal; and yet, forgiveness, love, and mercy came out of Him (Matthew 6:14-15). (AUTHOR UNKNOWN)
Therefore, let’s be filled with God’s love that comes from within, and to live everyday encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This year, let’s always ask ourselves: “What comes out when I am squeezed?”. Maybe you need to repent or rededicate your life. Do it now, for Christ died purposely to redeem you (Isaiah 1:18)
Hymn: Are You Washed in the Blood? (Elisha A. Hoffman (1878)
1. Father, uproot every iota of flesh in me, and give me a heart like Yours to please You at all times.
BY GOD’S GRACE, YOU AND I SHALL MAKE IT TO HEAVEN
The Food of Champions 