Necessary Pruning

 

~~~ Acts of the Apostles15:1-6 ~~~ Psalm 122 ~~~ John 15:1-8 ~~~

 

I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.

 

Grape vines are mentioned more than any other plants in the Bible.

But I had planted you as a choice vine,

all pedigreed stock;

How could you turn out so obnoxious to me,

a spurious vine. Jeremiah 2:21

 

The grape vine was often used to represent Israel.

A fruitful vine was a symbol of an obedient Israel,

while wild grapes or an empty vine spoke of Israel’s disobedience.

 

Some years ago my husband and I had the opportunity to take

the Wine Train through Napa Valley California.

Since it was the dormant season for the grape vines

they appeared to be dries up and almost dead.

Of course that certainly was not the case;

we just could not see evidence of life.

They were not green and growing. 

 

Never the less, they did produce grapes

 which ultimately were pressed into table wines.

 

It helps to understand today's gospel of the vine and the branches

if we have some background about grape vines.

 

The branches must be at least a year old before

they are ready to produce any grapes.

The young vines must be properly trained in order to have the best yield.

It is best to train the vine on a fence;

giving it support as it becomes heavy laden with bunches of grapes.

The vines are very carefully pruned to keep the vine in top condition.

 

 

We must remain connected to the vine...connected to Jesus.

In order to be fruitful we must draw our life from the vine.

If we want to be productive we also must allow God to prune away things in our life.

Those things which interfere with our connection to him...such as sin.

 

In reality circumcision is necessary for us to remain in the Lord.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.

 

Sometimes pain and suffering are required as we allow

 God to prune away that which is no longer needed.

The vine must regularly be pruned to insure the most productivity.

Branches that no longer produce grapes

must be removed as they drain nourishment from the branches

 that are laden with grapes.

 

Look carefully at your relationship with the Lord.

Are you just hanging on clinging to the vine.

What needs to be pruned from your life in order to become productive?

Jesus provides all that we need to be full of fruit.

He is all the support we need.

He tends to the vineyard with precision.

Trust that as you take a closer walk with the Lord you will bear much fruit.

 

The Easter Blessing of the Vine and the Branches.