Canning Grapes and Reflections on the Vine

Yesterday, while working with grapes to make more jelly, I began to think about John 15 and Jesus’s teaching about the vine and the branches. He says, “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.”

For us as Christians, we see this play out in our lives. God removes branches of our life that do not bear fruit. He prunes the fruit bearing branches so that they bear more fruit. This is often very painful. Sometimes we may be tempted to feel as if this careful tending is a curse more than a blessing; that it couldn’t be a "good" God that does this in our lives. Quite the contrary… It is BECAUSE God loves us that He sees to our spiritual growth and continually makes us more like Him through this painful process. The consequences of our sins are another thing altogether, though I’ll note that while God does not desire us to sin, He uses them for our good too. Did you know that grapes on the vine fail to ripen if not exposed to the sun? This requires cutting away the beautiful foliage to create air flow and expose the fruit to the light. In the same way, God cuts away what we consider “beautiful foliage” to make the “fruit we bear” ripe and ready for His harvest.

Are you suffering? Is there something painful in your life today? Whether it be there because of consequences resulting from your choices or by God, you can trust that He doesn’t waste an opportunity. Romans 8:28 says, “For God works all things for good for those who love Him who are called according to His purpose.” James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

If you know Jesus, don't be distracted by how things seem today. It is likely your life will not be characterized by this brief moment. Look forward to the harvest from the fruit you will bear and work toward that goal. Paul speaks of this in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

If life is difficult right now, take comfort in your present sufferings and pain. God is busy making you perfect!