HAND HOLDING

The progression of less hand-holding.

115 revelations were given in the first 8 years of the church's founding, as compared to 18 from then to now.
The lord will change how he speaks to us. We are his servants and then become his friends and eventually his children. With each of those titles progressively taken on more of his habits, characteristics, and image.
Just like the olive tree who at the beginning need lots of pruning, correction and tender care we too may need that at the beginnings then after time there will be occasional pruning or combination of what is right. If the lord is silent, it doesn’t mean we are on the wrong path it may mean that in the context of this olive tree, that we don’t need be redirected. Why would you prune a tree that is doing what you need it too.

“Without cultivation, the olive is a wild, unruly, easily corrupted tree. Only after long, patient cultivation, usually eight to ten years, does it begin to yield fruit. Long after that, new shoots often come forth from dead roots. [The appearance of gnarled trunks gives] the impression of travail—of ancient life and renewing life.’

The Olive Press: A Symbol of Christ,” in The Allegory of the Olive Tree, ed. Stephen D. Ricks and John W. Welch (1994), 2.]

We learn that in those first few years, much detailed direction is needed.

I genuinely believe that we learn correct principles by doing what he does. He no longer must ask us to do the basics because we are already doing them.