As Creator, the Lord God has placed a great variety of fruit trees throughout the world. Most of us, of course, only see those growing near us, and it is left for people born elsewhere to see other kinds of fruit trees. This was the case many years ago in the rain forests of India and parts of Asia where the wild jakfruit tree was first discovered.
The fruit from this tree is the largest fruit grown on any tree in the world. Some jakfruits weigh as much as 80 pounds. This fruit’s rough, knobby, pale-green skin makes it look like a huge cantaloupe, and natives find it very good to eat. But there is a dangerous problem in picking this fruit. It does not grow on branches, but each fruit is on its own short stem attached right to the tree trunk. If one were to fall on a picker, it could injure him severely or even kill him. So they either knock the fruit off with long poles or, where possible, use machinery to take them down.
Many of the wild trees grow in spots difficult to reach, so the natives wait until the fruit eventually drops to the ground. However, those that drop are often so ripe that they smash into useless pieces. Besides that, many wild animals also like them and eat them before the natives can get to them.
The edible part, inside the hard, tough skin, is in sections and about the color of an orange. It tastes like a blend of pineapple, pears and artichokes. But there is one objection to this tasty fruit (which can either be cooked or eaten raw): It takes a long time to get used to its bad smell. Natives have become used to its smell, but when the fruit is offered to visitors, they either turn away from it or have to hold their noses while they eat!
This fruit with its challenges is another example of the wonders of God’s creation. It is a reminder that while He does allow us to experience some trials and difficulties, these will bring good if we ask His help and guidance through them.
No doubt the first natives to discover jakfruit had many problems in learning how to pick it safely and to overcome its strong smell. But in the end, the delicious fruit was worth it all. And each of us needs to learn that the Lord has something good in every problem we may experience. King David wrote this encouraging verse in the Bible: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:2424Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)).
Do you hope and trust in the Lord Jesus?
ML-03/08/2015