John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2)

The story of the vine and the branches is one of the more recognized parables from Scripture. This lesson on pruning sounds harsh and painful, but as every master gardener will admit, it is imperative to the outcome. I never understood this concept until reading about the process in the once popular book by Bruce Wilkinson called The Secrets of the Vine.  I was fascinated by his description of the pruning practice.

I love to garden and by February I am eager to plant the seeds and get them started indoors, anticipating warmer weather and the perfect time to plant the seedlings outside. Once they germinate and have grown an inch or two, the process begins. Thinning the crop is so hard to do. But I know from experience, if I don't do it few of the sprouts will flourish.

The parallel Jesus is drawing between vines and branches and our relationship with God is an eye opener.  When I think to a time I would consider as my pruning season, I am reminded of a challenging period when I was learning how to change my ways.  I can see now that God was doing the work of a gardener and cutting away all the dead foliage. He was removing the dried up branches and throwing them into the fire so new growth would appear.

Come to think of it, I did not develop my love of gardening until after I grew in my faith; until I cultivated my personal relationship with Jesus.  Once pruned and tended by the One who can make all things grow up strong, gardening became a passion for me. Have you experienced a period of pruning?  

Read John 15:1-11 here

Listen to John 15:1-11 here

John 15:1-8

I wonder how many folks go through life knowing they are good people, but assuming they will be invited into the Kingdom of Heaven.  I wonder how many truly understand who God is and how much He loves each of us.

I had a conversation a number of years ago with a co-worker who never went to church, didn't pray or read Scripture (his admission), but told me he thought he was a good person and was convinced he would get to Heaven.  His reasoning was, "I never killed anybody, I am a nice person and I am honest."

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 5:1-2)

I would never judge this persons faith or predict his future, but I do know that his everyday life could have been much more hope filled had he only gone the extra mile to build a relationship with Jesus.  His heart could be filled with Joy if only he embraced Jesus.

Sometimes I think it is scary to some to contemplate embracing Jesus with open hearts.  Verses like the one today frighten some into thinking the Christian life is painful.  Studying vineyards and the practice the gardener has of pruning can seem scary when we understand that not only dead branches are discarded, but some healthy ones as well.

But, none of our lives is easy and if we take the time to think about it, we all grow as a result of our challenges.  Looking back to seasons of grief and sadness, pain and desperation, I know that I am a better person because of those times.  It was then I turned to God and learned how much He loves. This gives new meaning to an old saying, "No pain, no gain."  For me this is very true.  You too?

Read John 15:1-8 here.

Listen to John 15:1-8 here.