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One word, two pronunciations, different but related meanings, both are applicable here. One is a verb used to describe an action or occurrence. One is an adjective used to modify a noun by describing its attributes, hinting at some of its values and characteristics. Of course, context will help determine which is appropriate. Our word today is consummate: a long mark over the ‘ā’ in the verb instructs us to pronounce ‘ate,’ as in consummāte. The short mark over the ‘ă’ in the adjective instructs us to pronounce ‘met,’ as in consummăte. You can (verb) consummāte a marriage, or you can have the (adjective) consummăte marriage. Consummāte (verb): make a marriage complete by having sexual intercourse; complete a transaction; make perfect, conclude, finish, accomplish, achieve, execute, put into effect; put the finishing touch to, to perfect, crown, set the seal on. Consummăte (adjective): perfect, exemplary, supreme, ultimate, faultless, superior, expert, skillful, master, complete, total, utter, absolute, pure.
When you were born-again, you were bound to God as one is to a spouse in marriage; the two become one and there can be no separation. It is a finished work, a completed a transaction; God sets a crown upon your head and you become a member of His Royal Family. His seal is set upon your life from that moment and into eternity. You’ve consummāted your consummăte relationship with God—your perfect, faultless, pure union.
In the scriptures we often see the use of agricultural allusions, metaphors, and allegories to bring understanding. These help paint pictures on the canvas of your mind. God grafts you into His holy root perfectly, or He cuts you out; God prunes trees so they produce more abundant and exemplary fruit; Christ is the vine and you are the pure branch. It is difficult to grow good fruit in rocky soil or dust. Weeds and thistles will invariably choke the life out of any plant. Good soil is critical; pure seed is vital; cultivation, pruning and water are required to produce the ultimate yield. Barren trees will be cut down and burned; and counterfeit tares grow in the midst of authentic wheat. Do not grow weary in doing good; the fields are white and a double portion harvest is coming, if you persevere. Cultivate the soil of your heart; soften its stoney hard-packed earth; become a soil nutritionist; and do not sow among thorns. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol.
God is the Master Horticulturalist, the quintessential artist in the practice of garden cultivation and garden management. You too must become a wise and faithful manager of God’s garden. It is actually required that one be a good steward. You can consummāte your branch with God’s root, and you can have the consummăte grafted-in life with God. Both are highly recommended!
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