The Pruning of the Vine

I penned the following lines on January 7, 2003:

Dear Fellow Travelers,

I trust that each of you enjoyed a good holiday season, and, even more, I pray that you are looking forward to a great 2003. I am praying that your best day in 2002 will be equal to your worst day in 2003 (I hope I communicated what I was thinking)!

It is very apparent that the Holy Spirit is moving among us—a deep moving of God that is obviously the fruit of several years of severe pruning. I hate pruning not only because it hurts, but also because it involves the cutting away of what appears to be such good wood. Even so, I am well aware that pruning is necessary for the production of new life—fruit that remains.

Interestingly, when the Vinedresser has pruned the vineyard and the resultant life—new life—is formed, the pain of the pruning is seen for what it is—the exercise of life. God’s pruning of His vineyard so concentrates the life of Jesus in the remaining branches that new life—His life—explodes throughout the vineyard. Although both are beautiful, the contrast between a pruned vineyard and a fruit-laden vineyard is simply breath-taking; however, nothing can compare to the beauty of the vineyard when the blossoms are in full bloom. (Next spring, look one of our local peach orchards and you will see what I mean.)

Although I have seen it coming (the buds of life have been evident), this past Saturday night and Sunday morning it became unmistakably obvious that the work of the Vinedresser was paying off and paying off big time! The life of Jesus has filled the vineyard of Grace Christian Fellowship with the blossoms of life; blossoms that will soon become fruit— fruit that remains.

MY PERSPECTIVE: As the Vinedresser continues His work in His vineyard, we should give ourselves to the study of His Word—a life of meditation; to the celebration of His Supper—a life of thanksgiving; and to the discipline of His model—a life of prayer. As the vineyard begins to bear fruit, fruit that remains, you will be very thankful for this time of nourishment and enrichment.

Interestingly and thankfully, vineyards are pruned every year but my how painful the pruning is, especially to those of us who like to avoid pain. The fact is, however, that without the pruning the vine becomes worthless, at least as far as fruit-bearing is concerned. My, how much He must love the church and the fruit she bears!

Blessings with grace lavished,

Mac Goddard