SOUTHFIELD – Midwinter in Michigan signals the start of vineyard pruning—a necessary, albeit painful, task for vinedressers seeking abundant harvests. In John 15, Jesus employs the metaphor of a vineyard to illuminate the profound relationship between Himself, His Father, and His disciples. He portrays Himself as the "true vine," God as the vinedresser, and the disciples as branches, underscoring their reliance on Him for spiritual nourishment and productivity.
“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 bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:1-2 NKJV
Reflecting on this passage, one may wonder if there's an alternative method for Jesus to cultivate fruit in us. However, pruning, though sometimes akin to discipline, serves a distinct purpose. Discipline corrects wrongdoing, while pruning fosters growth in the right direction. Although the effects of pruning may not be immediately evident, it unfailingly yields fruit (Galatians 6:9). Like a vinedresser recognizing a branch's potential, our Heavenly Father discerns our capacity for increased fruitfulness but knows it necessitates pruning.
In recent months, our church has experienced remarkable growth, both numerically and spiritually. Despite the joys of ministry, I've found myself navigating a personal season of pruning. God has orchestrated changes within our church, presenting challenges alongside family and ministry obligations, leaving me occasionally overwhelmed. Yet, amidst these trials, He has imparted a crucial lesson: to abide in Him rather than my own comforts or strategies.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
John 15:4 NKJV
The More We Abide, the More Fruit He Provides
John 15:4 underscores the importance of abiding in Christ for fruitfulness. This season has taught me the potency of obedience and dependency—fundamental components of abiding. Through obedience to God's Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit, I've witnessed increased fruitfulness in my life.
Jesus emphasizes varying levels of fruitfulness—fruit, more fruit, or much fruit (Jn 15:2, 8). Similarly, our dependence on Jesus determines the fruitfulness of our lives. It's imperative for leaders to grasp that the desired fruit isn't merely outward actions but an inner transformation reflecting Christ's character.
If you are like me, the onset of the year has brought its share of discomfort, yet I recognize God's pruning as a means to cultivate greater fruitfulness in me. When it seems like God is cutting us down, we can find solace in the fact that He holds the shears!
Remember, God prunes us to produce more fruit in us. Although it is painful, let us find reassurance in the hands that wield the shears. When we embrace pruning as a pathway to spiritual growth it enables us to bear fruit that glorifies God and enriches our lives and ministries.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15;5 (NKJV)
Without Him, we can do nothing but with Him, all things are possible (Jn 15:5).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ken Nether is the pastor of Crossover Church in Southfield. He is an insightful scholar and a dynamic communicator who has the ability to connect with people from all ages and backgrounds. Ken is also a Church Planting Catalyst for the North American Mission Board in which he is responsible for discovering, developing, and deploying church planters throughout North America.