first to the fallen, firstfruits

Our patio has a few tomato plants. I saw many ripe tomatoes on the vines and the taste of the fruit was so good and summer fresh.
The growth of the vines grew much in a short time.
I set my T-shirt on the chair and saw "First to the Fallen" with the background of  the fruit and it got me thinking how Jesus first loved me and in fact is the first to help when I have fallen and when I was lost and without hope. I also thought of the time when He called me friend in times when I have sinned and how he gently leads me.
Jesus is first to the fallen - like a medic would be first to the wounded and has given their life to try to save the wounded- without hesitation,or thought of one's own life. The mission is what matters in these times, the bigger picture. And Friends, friends come along side us to help us in our desperate times and give an encouraging word or accepting glance in times of doubt.
We are told in the Bible that if we abide in Christ we will bear fruit that will last.
Pruning does occur in our lives but growth and fruitfulness is promised-- no matter what we feel or think at the time of the pruning or growth spurt!

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:1-5)

And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”( Ez 47:12)

"But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2 Thes 2:13)

"Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. " (Jam 1:18)

Reserve for the wintry times-
 I also was reading a book on the patio while looking at the tomato plants and T-shirt. 
The Smiling Country has a chapter that mentions the Methow Valley near the North Cascades and mentioned how great quantities of food was preserved at harvest time and stored for the cold winters. They used a method of storage of food that buried the apples and spuds in layers deep in the ground  to use in the winter when no food was available.  They did this : "to have fresh stuff til heaven knows when".

I thought of how this is similar to abiding in Christ in that we store up the promises and the Word of God, and what we learn in devotions, and reading, and hearing so that in time of need ,trial,or fear we can access the needed nourishment and truths to keep on the road in a steadfast manner. To have fresh hope until "heaven knows when."