Day 27

John 13-15

“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.” John 15:2 ESV

Jesus says that He is the true vine - meaning that all life is in Him. If we are not connected to Him, we have no life in us. In other words, we cannot grow in our own strength. Apart from Jesus and His Word, we are dead and hopeless. 

Jesus also says that His Father is the Vinedresser. A vinedresser is more than just a farmer and grapes are more than just annual crops. The vinedresser cultivates and prunes the grapevine for decades. Jesus is pointing to a shepherd-sheep kind of relationship. The vinedresser comes to know each vine in a very personal way. He knows what you need, even when you don’t. He fertilizes you. He prunes you. He picks you up off of the ground and props you on the trellis. Perhaps, at times, He even ties you to the trellis. Much like a shepherd protects the herd from wolves or other wild animals, the vinedresser takes measures to protect you from insects or diseases. 

Notice verse 2 says, “...and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes.” Pruning is a painful process and can even feel like punishment. Pruning, however, does not happen because the vinedresser is upset or disappointed. It’s the opposite actually. When a little fruit is produced, the vinedresser sees the potential for more fruit. He then cuts the branches back, knowing in the end that the vine will be stronger. 

Find life in the vine. Find comfort in the fact that the Father is caring for you. Trust the process and know that life is bigger than the temporary pain that you might feel.