The Love of the Vinedresser
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October 20, 2008“Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”…“I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” John 15:2, 5 If you pay close attention to the above verses, you will see that Jesus is speaking to those who are in Him. Of those that are in Him, you will find four kinds of Christians… Those who produce no fruit, those who produce some fruit, those who produce more fruit and those who produce much fruit. All of them are Christians, but some are more fruitful. And really, it’s probably not four kinds of Christians, but rather a representation of Christians at four different places in life. Progressing through each phase is at once both painful and joyful if you can see it for what it is. So what does God the vinedresser do to those who produce no fruit in their life? At first glance, it looks like He removes them from the scene, that He takes them away. But “take away” is not the best translation here. It really means that He “lifts up” every branch that bears no fruit. A good vinedresser notices the branches hanging low to the ground. He cleans off the dust that prevents them from receiving the light and producing fruit, lifts them up and ties them to a trellis. They may feel confined, but they are finally in a position to produce fruit. If you have not been fruitful in your life of late, maybe it’s time to ask the Father to lift you up from the ground, wash off the dirt that so easily besets us, blocks our vision of the light and deprives us of fruitfulness. Ask Him to fasten you in the place you belong in the light and help you keep you there. It won’t be long before you start seeing fruit.
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Bingo! Got this before the prayer/worship ride! So, I see lots of fruit in the lives HE has had me touch. I see much fruit in the spiritual sense and HE has met my needs. Now I am looking at being able to bless others more and replace my 180,000 mile car. I do realize for 40 years HE kept their shoes in order and clothes in condition and have recognized HE keeps my car running too! Getting hugs from the teens and hearing them proclaim, \"Hey Sex Lady,\" (abstinence ONLY till marriage) is indeed a fruit. Thank YOU FATHER, for all you do for me, to make fruit in my life. And Michael, thank you too, along with your staff.
Kara L. Harris at 11:14am EDT - October 20, 2008