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(New Living Translation)
John 15
Jesus, the True Vine
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
Jesus taught using images which could be seen all around us, to help our very weak minds and hearts to grasp eternal meaning. In recent years I've felt the Lord's "pruning" of my branch, and I only can trust Him that it may produce fruit of the spirit and in deed. It is good on Buhlaland - grapes aplenty for the birds and pruning might hurt for a season to be part of His harvest - it is a very good result.
Picture was taken in our back pasture -
Mustang Grape
'Vitis mustangensis
Vitaceae
Mustang grape favors disturbed ground, fence rows, woodland edges and sandy slopes in the eastern half of Texas, east to Louisiana and north into Arkansas and Oklahoma. Althought its fruit is usually pungent and unpleasant, the fruits of the variety diversa are actually sweet and have often been used in wine-making. This is a high-climbing vine which tolerates great heat and drought. The lower surface of its leaves is very white and densely hairy, a noticeable ornamental feature. It is reported to be largely resistant to Phylloxera and hybridizes with several other grape species. 'source
6 comments:
LindaSue, the verses are precious, aren't they? As you reminded me, Jesus taught using examples all around Him. It is pleasant to be in the country and while working recall Jesus words bringing to mind His lessons from nature. Grapes, trees, sheep, birds...the weather. His creation cannot fail to reflect Him. Praise God!
The whole of these verses, every last word is vital. Our understanding is vital. Our taking it in and becoming what it says, vital. It gives strength and direction to what could be an ordinary and numbed existence. Numbed to the deeper beauty of His abundance that he holds out to us. It is good to feel the pruner's cut, it is His promise that you are His true disciple. With a life full of fruit. Hope this has been a good week for you my friend, and that this coming one brings delights a plenty.
Good post, Linda Sue. I've felt the Lord's pruning over the years and I'll straighten up and bear fruit, but then I'll need a snipping again. You think we'd learn... Wonderful promises as He makes us ready to learn, to understand, and to crave His love and His message - to make us receptive to His will. Thank the Lord for His pruning even tho at times it seems harsh, it is for our benefit and for His glory.
Hope things are going well at the Buhl household. Big hug! Vickie
The pictures are wonderful Linda Sue!! And I LOVE the scripture... that is some of my most favorite passages... I have studied on the vine many times and I see something new in it each time.
Sometimes the pruning is a bit painful. We even ask, "Why me?," before we stop and remember that God is working on us. There is always something fresh and new, something better than the path that we were on, better for our relationship with God, better for our own soul, as long as we listen and watch. It is a blessing to be in His care.
Thank you for a beautiful post Linda Sue. When I am in the yard, admiring plants and listening to the animals, I feel closest to God.
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