I hope you're not tired of John 15 yet. I promise we won't stay here all year. đ But it's rich and powerful and there are more diamonds to mine!Â
Read the passage again, noting the bolded sections in their context.Â
"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." (Jn. 15:1-11)
Last week, we looked at the two groups presented in this passage - 1) those attached to the vine who bear fruit, and 2) those who are not attached and therefore don't bear fruit.Â
But did you notice that both groups get cut? Read that first bolded section again.
Have you ever pruned bushes or trees? Whether you have or not, you've probably seen the results. The plant doesn't look very pretty, does it? In fact, sometimes it looks like it's been killed.Â
But next spring, the stubs begin to grow, eventually becoming long and lush - and beautiful. Had it been left alone, it would actually be less healthy, less full, less beautiful.Â
Ladies, this is both instructive and hope-giving. This means that abiding in Christ our Vine doesn't equal a pain-free life. In fact, it guarantees that it won't be. There might even be times when you feel like your Vinedresser has all but killed you.Â
But this passage also provides so much hope, because it means that God's pruning is not punitive - it's not a punishment. Rather, it is a result of His tender pruning. Our perfect Vinedresser knows just how much of us needs cutting so that we might bear the fruit that He has lovingly ordained for us to bear, as we continue to draw our nourishment from Christ.Â
Look at the final bolded section. Bearing fruit is not only what is best for us, but it is also what glorifies our Father. It further proves our position in Christ, as we looked at last week. (Make sure you get that: proves, not earns). All these realities work together, not contradicting, but rather supporting one another.Â
We frequently sing "His Glory and My Good" in our corporate gatherings. This truth is incredible: His glory and my good do not conflict. They are not at odds each other, nor are they competing for priority. God in His sovereign goodness and mercy has ordained that our good is His glory. It might not always feel good, but we can trust His infinite goodness. He has proven Himself over and overâŚclimactically at the Cross.Â
If you are hurting from deep cuts this morning, Friend, rejoice. Rejoice that you are attached to the Source of life and healing. Rejoice that He has your good in mind, and is bringing glory to Himself in that good. Rejoice that your Father has much more fruit for you to bear - fruit that resembles Christ more and more. And keep on abiding. Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6 that "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ." What a promise!Â
Let's pray for each other this week, that we might continue to abide as our loving Vinedresser does His perfect work in us. And in addition to prayer, let's look for tangible ways to support and encourage one another, especially in the midst of the painful pruning.Â
What a privilege it is to abide, to bring Him glory, and to bear His fruit. â¤ď¸đđź
