June 25, 2008

I Am the True Vine

“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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

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.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 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 15:1-11



I have been reading “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson. I have just been amazed at how the above passage has been broken down and explained so wonderfully It is explained through the process of grapes growing on the vine. You will have to read the book to get the whole scripture above but what really touched me was the following (Paraphrased of course):

New branches of a grapevine naturally trail along the ground. There is no fruit near the end of the vine and the leaves get covered with dust. When the rain comes they get muddy and mildew. Therefore, this branch is “sick” or useless. The Vinedresser sees that this branch is not fruitful so he takes a bucket of water and carefully washes the leaves and then ties the branch up on the trellis. Before long, this lifeless branch is then thriving.

Is this not what God does for us when we are wayward believers?

Sin is the dirt that is on us and it takes away joy. When the air and light do not get in, no fruit develops. He wants us to thrive and be fruitful. The Vinedresser feels abundance and joy when he tends to a dirty branch.

Just as Christ is overjoyed when we spend time with Him so that we will continue to grow and thrive in our relationship with Him. God’s actions are intended to nudge us lovingly, wisely, and persistently toward the life and character that we desire (and He desires for us).


So what about you?

Are you a dirty leaf in need of the Vinedresser to pick you up?
Or..
Are you a nice, full fruitful vine?

Holding On...
Mitzi