As the rain and snow

“There are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach… Both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Titus 1:10-11,15b-16; 2:1-10

Paul, after affirming Titus in his faith, delineated what he was up against in Crete. He would face many talkers, either deceptive with false teaching, or detestable with false claims of knowing God that matched not action. As for him, teaching and modeling sound doctrine was his right antidote and vital responsibility. He needed to proclaim and show God’s way in stark contrast to the world’s.

And so must we. Living in the world immerses us in a stew of empty words and shameful behavior. God’s grace not only brings salvation but training in godliness. He who redeems also purifies. The struggle in the present age is real, and the Lord does not leave us alone to contend. He convicts and guides and gives grace to obey and adorn His doctrine in our behavior. (Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7)

Where do we find the most difficult challenges and temptations to worldly thinking and choices? How well trained is our spiritual discernment to know true from false, sincere from deceptive? How courageous are we to heed what we discern? Does our conduct reflect respect for God and His image-bearers, or a meaningless, vapid life? Do we entangle ourselves in foolish or meaningless controversies and argument, or entrust our thoughts and conversation to the Lord’s inspiration and superintending? Where do we need to focus devotion, and what need we avoid? (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5; Titus 3:8-9)

Moment by moment, day by day, we will make decisions what to do, how to respond, which way to live. The options are ever before us, with magnetic pull from enemy crowds, and we must choose and live with the consequences. Will we succumb to the ways of the world, or set a different, righteous path? As for us, how will we implement the clear, practical ways the Lord prescribes? TO whom will we be an example and encouragement? (Joshua 24:15)

Worthy Lord, keep my thinking lofty and my doing honorable, so I shine distinctly in the world and so exalt You.

“Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” Acts 15:37-40

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

“Do your best to come to me soon… Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 2 Timothy 4: 5-9,11

Paul was near the end of his life and ministry, awaiting execution in a Roman jail. In writing to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith, he reflected on the hope he had in Christ at this stage in his life, and desired just one more visit from this faithful spiritual son… and Mark. Years prior, he had rejected Mark for a journey because Mark had abandoned them in Pamphylia. It is not told why, but for whatever reason- Mark’s doubt, immature relational skills, fear, or inexperience- Paul had deemed him unsuited for the assignment. Barnabas the encourager took him along, and God worked to develop this questionable young man into a useful servant and a blessing to Paul. The Lord finishes what He begins. Who knew this better than Paul? (Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2)

We often hesitate in confidence, for ourselves and for others. Personally, we can stew in the scrabble of past failures or feelings of inadequacy. Comparing ourselves to others, there are many more qualified, prepared, talented for the task at hand. When we stay stuck in the past, we cannot move forward in Christ and grow. It takes stretching, leaving regrets behind and plodding ahead in faith to develop strength and effectiveness as we prove the Lord’s sufficiency. (Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 3:13-14)

In others, we can tend to focus on weaknesses, shortcomings, long-ago poor decisions. With our own children or co-laborers, we can be negative, fatalistic, and fail to expect the Lord to work. We might simply be impatient, or arrogant, and avoid taking the time to nurture, train, or pray, thinking it better to do a job ourselves. In our pessimism, all miss out on the opportunity to develop character and skill through discipleship and experience. The Lord may intend to teach each party through mentoring relationships.

Whom do we dismiss as questionable or inadequate for ministry? Where are we failing to progress in hope of God’s redeeming work and grace? What might we be missing, in our own or loved one’s increasing maturity and sanctification, because we refuse to move out in faith? The Lord does mighty things in those who make themselves available to Him.

Father, work in and through me to Your purposes and glory.

“The vision of Isaiah, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem…

“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth;
    for the Lord has spoken:
‘Children have I reared and brought up,
    but they have rebelled against me.
The ox knows its owner,
    and the donkey its master’s crib,
but Israel does not know,
    my people do not understand.’

“Ah, sinful nation,
    a people laden with iniquity,
offspring of evildoers,
    children who deal corruptly!
They have forsaken the Lord,
    they have despised the Holy One,
    they are utterly estranged…

“Why will you continue to rebel?
The whole head is sick,
    and the whole heart faint.
From the sole of the foot even to the head,
    there is no soundness in it…

“‘Bring no more vain offerings…
    I cannot endure iniquity…
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
    remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
    learn to do good;
seek justice,
    correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
    plead the widow’s cause.

“‘Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
    they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
    you shall eat the good of the land;
but if you refuse and rebel,
    you shall be eaten by the sword…’

“How the faithful city
    has become a whore…

“Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness,
    the faithful city.’

“Zion shall be redeemed by justice,
    and those in her who repent, by righteousness.
But rebels and sinners shall be broken together,
    and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.
For they shall be ashamed of the oaks
    that you desired;
and you shall blush for the gardens
    that you have chosen.” Isaiah 1:1-6,13,16-21,26-29

God called Isaiah to speak harsh truth to Israel. Their persistent wandering from God’s commands and careless rejection of His ways required explicit exposure of their offensive rebellion. He spoke in unambiguous realities while they slogged in sin-ridden spiritual stupor. His goal was not to shock or shame, but to reveal so they would acknowledge the facts, reason with the Lord, come clean, and be healed. Divine truth always intends to enlighten and redeem. (Isaiah 2:1-5)

There are many ways we dilute the clarity of God’s word. We twist truth to our preferences, ignore parts that are hard, or dismiss casually those boundaries He has set for our good. We go after things of the world, and allow our thinking to be shaped by anything but divine inspiration. We forsake His faithfulness, eschew His mercies, and devote ourselves to lesser gods. Our feigned sincerity and pretend worship are an affront to Father God. Whether kings or citizens, we are responsible for our attitudes and actions and response to the facts His word presents and Spirit exposes. (Hebrews 4:12)

What does the Lord know about our hearts and motives that we choose not to acknowledge? In what areas do we dismiss God’s benevolent rule and refuse His pruning? Do we welcome Him in some plans but ignore or reject Him in others? When will we face the insidious reality of our rebellion and reason with the merciful, redeeming Savior? Only then will we know full peace and joy. (Psalm 139:1-4; John 10:10; 15:11)

Father, humble me to acknowledge my rebel heart and receive Your mercy, to Your glory and praise.

“The people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and [his] fire burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down… 

“Now the rabble among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel wept again, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at…’

“Moses heard the people weeping… And the anger of the Lord blazed hotly, and Moses… said to the Lord, ‘Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, “Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,” to the land that you swore to give their fathers? Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, “Give us meat, that we may eat.” I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me…’ 

“The Lord said, ‘Gather for me seventy men of… Israel,.. elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting… I will come down and… take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.'” Numbers 11:1-2,4-6,10-14,16-17

Moses, man of God, was a real man with real burdens. His biblical portrait is honest, rich with hues of doubt and weakness, frustration and passion. The Lord developed this leader through impossibilities that laid bare his soul and forced intimate spiritual dependence. As God commanded and assigned, so would He lead and undertake. He was His friend Moses’s constant companion and burden-bearer. (Exodus 3:10-15; 4:10-13; Exodus 18:13-27; 33:11-15; Numbers 12:1-10,13; Deuteronomy 34:10-12)

There are days that seem like weeks, and seasons when life is too much. We’re overwhelmed when available hours, or understanding, or patience, compassion, or strength are no match for our present burden of responsibility or heartache. We find ourselves impossibly inadequate, bereft, exhausted, dry. When we cry out, empty needing filling, weak needing might, lost needing direction, the Lord God is faithful to respond. In Him, as our days, so will be our strength. (Deuteronomy 33:25; Matthew 6:33-34; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 5:7)

Would we be honest with the Lover of our souls about our frustrations? If we take His assignments seriously, we must take His word and promises and character the same. Would we in faith acknowledge our depletion and bring open hands? Would we take advantage of the divine communion He offers to be affirmed in our calling and replenished in His provision? (Matthew 11:28-30)

How has the Lord undertaken for our burdens? Where has He placed us to relieve another’s? Coming to Him for help and hope, and receiving or contributing to His beautiful system of sustenance, magnifies His glorious sufficiency.

Father, keep me close and gratefully dependent.

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised
    in the city of our God!
His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation,
    is the joy of all the earth,
Mount Zion, in the far north,
    the city of the great King.
Within her citadels God
    has made himself known as a fortress…
As we have heard, so have we seen
    in the city of the Lord of hosts,
in the city of our God,
    which God will establish forever. 

We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
    in the midst of your temple.
As your name, O God,
    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
    Let Mount Zion be glad!
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice
    because of your judgments!

Walk about Zion, go around her,
    number her towers,
consider well her ramparts,
    go through her citadels,
that you may tell the next generation
    that this is God,
our God forever and ever.
    He will guide us forever.” Psalm 48:1-3,8-14

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways
    and that we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2:3

The city of God is described in Scripture as a fortress for God’s people. His abode is high and holy, welcoming all who are His. It is a citadel of beauty, joy, safety, and love. There He makes Himself known. He has established it as a place of discovery, belonging, security, instruction, and praise. (Psalm 87:3)

Come, let us go to the city of the Lord! Let us make time each day to leave behind things here below to climb Mount Zion. Let us set aside concerns and fretting and conflicts to explore her boundaries for life and consider her ramparts of strong defense and wisdom. God reveals Himself as we make our home with Him, His living word a constant source of discovery, guidance, and awe.

Where do we go to find comfort? Are we in the habit of seeking out worldly amenities and self–focused care? Where and whom do we worship? Do we spend an inordinate amount of attention and time at the mirror, or at work, or do we delight in and guard long seasons in the secret place with the Lord God? In what places- physical or mental- do we settle, looking for solace or understanding? Is our default to fixate on our phone, surround ourselves with cozy agreeing opinions, stew in past failures or regrets, or will we constantly press on and upward to draw closer to the high and holy King?

The sacred citadel of God beckons at all times. What have we learned there, and what do we want still to learn? Is it a priority for us to go up individually, as well as together with loved ones? Whom can we ask to come along? Are we brave enough to lead the way?

“Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known,
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.

The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets…
We’re marching thro’ Immanuel’s ground
To fairer worlds on high. 

We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord, may I ever treasure Your sacred citadel.

“Long ago,.. God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power… 

“Of the Son [God] says,

“’Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness…’

“And,

“’You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;..
they will be changed.
But you are the same,
    and your years will have no end.'”

“We see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by grace he might taste death for everyone.

“It was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have one source… he is not ashamed to call them brothers…

“Since the children share in flesh and blood, he himself partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery… He had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 1:1-3a,8,10-12; 2:9-11,14-15,17-18

Heir of all things. Creator. Radiance of God’s glory and exact imprint of His nature. Jesus the Son of God is supreme in every way, the eternal upholder of the universe who condescended as Son of Man to put death to death and free His brothers from slavery to sin. Wholly unlike us, He became like us to prove how much He is for us as victor and intercessor. What a Savior! (Romans 8:31-34)

How well do we know the Son of God as Son of Man? Would we contemplate and appreciate this remarkable dichotomy, this tangible expression of limitless, saving love? Are we troubled? He endured! Are we tempted? He overcame! Are we needy? He helps! Christ’s divine power applied to human frailty is His gospel at work. In what situations and consternations will the unshakable truth that this Savior is for us lift our hearts in hope and praise?

“Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood,
sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
spotless Lamb of God was he,
full atonement, can it be:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Lifted up was he to die;
‘It is finished’ was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!” ~ Phillip Bliss (1875)

Jesus, may I never stop marveling at Your gift of salvation.

“God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    God is our fortress. 

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46

The sons of Korah knew the very present God, their well-proved refuge, strength, and help. They memorialized His constancy in the midst of turmoil, His holiness over vain pursuit, His steady calm in the tottering rage of nations. He was with them, working desolation, judgment, and victory by His uttered voice, unto His exaltation. This God was Most High, mighty and sure and active in their midst, worthy of their confidence and song.

God utters His words today in the midst of His people and over His world. The voice that spoke creation into being and breathing is that which still speaks order and rules leaders and maneuvers kingdoms for His purposes. It sings over His beloved children, guides with instruction and inspiration, and calms anxious hearts and storms. (Genesis 1:3,26-27; 2:7; Psalm 32:8; Zephaniah 3:17; Mark 4:39; John 14:27)

“Sing praises to God, sing praises!
    Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
    sing praises with a psalm!

God reigns over the nations;
    God sits on his holy throne…
The shields of the earth belong to God;
  he is highly exalted!” Psalm 47:6-9

What wars in the world or our soul presently cause anxiety? What pesky troubles thunder, what longing or sorrow swirls, what judgments disturb? What hopes are giving way, or fears unsettle? When are we still in life’s clamor to hear and trust God’s sovereign voice? How can we more deeply embrace His present help, believe His promises, and exalt His power?

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~ R. Keen (1787)

Father, may I listen for and wonder at Your uttered voice, and exalt You in my world.

“Their guard duty involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the screen; all the service connected with these. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the chiefs of the Levites, and to have oversight of those who kept guard over the sanctuary…

“Those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, guarding the sanctuary itself, to protect the people of Israel. And any outsider who came near was to be put to death.” Numbers 3:31-32,38

“Above all else, guard your heart,
  for from it flow the springs of life.
Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
Ponder the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:23-26

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Early law delineated the responsibilities of the priests, whose role was to guard and implement all that was sacred for the people of Israel. As the Lord instructed them through Moses, He had Moses consecrate them to perform specific duties and set boundaries that assured their own readiness for Him and exemplified His holiness before them. The guarding of their own hearts and practices was a constant call that required persistent vigilance. Only then could they keep and lead God’s people in reverent, worshipful living. (Exodus 19:9-20)

As God’s chosen people and royal priesthood, we are to guard all that is entrusted to us for the Lord’s use and honor. Considering the instruments of worship assigned to the early priests, we must revere the very presence and Name of God and pray for His church at home and abroad. We are to protect the Body as we can through upbuilding, quelling gossip, and contributing resources and talent. Our place and time of worship, the regular habit of communion, the light of His word, and our divine image-bearing bodies as living sacrifices- all are our responsibility to keep and protect with care. (Romans 12:1,4-8; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Peter 2:9; 4:10-11)

How aware are we of the condition of our hearts and spiritual lives? Do we regularly assess where we have grown lukewarm, or cold, in our pursuit of and love for Christ? What pests have we allowed to eat into our time with, devotion to, and attention on Him, and what will we do about them? When and how ruthlessly will we deal with ongoing sin or apathy toward the Lord?

How can we practically and more effectively guard our church, the high and holy name of Jesus, our spiritual leaders, and fellow believers? Where do we need to insist on purity, godly choices, and language that honors the Lord? What can we contribute- by way of encouragement, prayer, or filling practical needs- that will fortify the Body? Attentive tending to guard duty blesses God.

Lord, help me, as Your grace-bought priest, vigilantly guard my heart and habits, and Your name and church, to Your honor and glory.

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? If I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. You say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? When you offer those lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor?.. For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations… But you profane it…  But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it… You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord.  Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” Malachi 1:6-8,11-14

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father. On that day many will say, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me.'” Matthew 7:21-23

“The King will answer, ‘Truly,.. as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:40

Malachi made clear what was expected of those who represented the Lord God to the people. The priests in his day had broken God’s covenant so blatantly, so audaciously, that their own deviousness had deceived them. Such is the way of man when God is not honored and selfishness reigns.

There are warnings throughout Scripture to beware any choices made that sully or curb pure devotion. The Lord God knows the intent of the heart, and denounces any forged or flippant worship. He is high and holy and will not be mocked. If His called children dishonor Him, they will be dishonored. He is not fooled by our duplicity, and does not stand for half-heartedness and insincerity. (Matthew 25:31-40; Galatians 6:7)

But we sure do. We think it fine that we assess God a certain degree of devotion, then shift priorities and allegiances elsewhere. We can separate everyday life from spiritual or ecclesiastical life at each enticing opportunity or the turn of a day. Where do we mark out set time with God, even daily devotion or church attendance, yet live in a disconnect where we don’t even recognize our insincerity or double-mindedness?

All we do is unto the Lord. In what relationships or responsibilities are we half-hearted? In what situations do we profane God’s name, or offer Him leftovers? Where do we kowtow to others, yet dismiss our Father? He is the One worthy of our first and best. (Romans 14:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Lord, in all I say and do, may I honor You.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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… 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. 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. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned…  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1-6,8-11

Jesus knew the people knew about the care of vines. In order to produce the best grapes, they needed to be tended, pruned, directed, and sometimes grafted, all while staying attached to the vine. Describing Himself as the true Vine who yielded to His Father the Vinedresser’s expert tending, He commanded His disciples to submit to pruning and abide in Him in order to bear fruit. He made sure they understood what was expected and how they could best glorify God and flourish.

Doing the hard thing is always… hard. It goes against our flesh nature. It tastes bitter on the comfort pallet. It scratches against raw skin. It can cut, and hurt. But the hard thing often leads to a better thing, and that better thing is always the design of our Maker who is conforming us to His glorious image. Hard things like pruning are good things in His hands. (Romans 8:28-30; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:10)

What are some of the areas where we resist our Vinedresser’s shears? What character flaws have calloused, now too familiar and cozy to change, even if they hurt another or dishonor our Lord? Do we excuse, or try to evade conviction for, a hot temper, resentment, a sense of superiority, impatience, gluttony, greed, worry? All these we are commanded not to indulge, and only when we abide in the Vine will we be unsettled enough in their presence to surrender to the cutting. (Colossians 3:5-17)

If we have learned the hard lessons, how prepared are we to teach our children that present denials can develop skills, faith, and necessary patience for future advancement? That pruning and setbacks make for lusher more fruitful growth? When discipline is difficult, will we take the temporary easy way, or invest in the more challenging but advantageous long-view?

When we know the Lord loves and disciplines us for our good, we will cling. Abiding in Him accesses the life-flow of His Spirit. If we want to bear fruit for Him, we will submit to His hands and will. (Hebrews 12:7-11)

Lord, help me do and yield to what I know it takes to bear fruit for You.