“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.
As the rain and snow 