Pruning for Productivity
Jesus said, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every
branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He
prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.1
In preparation for his sermon about Jesus being the vine and we the branches,
Brett Blair shared the following: I must admit that I know very little
about the particulars of the wine industry. So I did some reading in this area
and found it to be quite fascinating. Grape vines are very rugged in one way,
but in another sense their fruit is very delicate and requires being treated
with kid gloves. A young vine is not permitted to bear fruit for the first
three years. It is therefore drastically pruned in December and January to
preserve its energy. The particular branches that do not bear fruit are cut out
to further conserve the energy of the plant. If this constant cutting back was
not done, the result would be a crop that was not up to its full
potential.2
Sometimes we wonder why God allows us to go through so many trials and
tribulations, however, when we look back over the past, we can see how God was
with us guiding our every step and pruning us so our lives would become more
fruitful and productive. From personal experience, I have seen how the hardest
times in my life have produced the healthiest fruit in my life. It
was definitely not an easy or enjoyable process, but I cannot deny the growth
that happened in me as a result. As the writer to the early Hebrew Christians
wrote, No discipline (or pruning) seems pleasant at the time, but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it.3
Suggested prayer: Dear God, while I cannot say that I have enjoyed Your pruning
in my life, I thank You for all circumstances You have used in my life to help
me grow. Help me realize, even in the hard times, that You are working to make
me more like Jesus and accept it with an attitude of gratitude. In the name of
Jesus I pray, amen.
1. John 15:1-2 (NIV).
2. Rev. Brett Blair. http://www.esermons.com/.
3. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV).
The Encounter for today was written by: Crystal B.
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