The Grand Valley of Colorado is known agriculturally for the quality of the fruit that it’s orchards and vineyards produce. The unique sediment soil, abundant sun light, protection by the massive Mesa and Book Cliffs mountains, and the life giving flow of the Colorado River make this desert fertile and productive. Recently while walking down the rows of vines, I was reminded of the parable Jesus told his disciples in John chapter 15 and some of the faith-life lessons that come from the vineyard.
The Life is in the Vine – As I walk the rows, the branches that the vinedresser has pruned lie withering on the ground under my feet. The life in them gone. They can no longer produce fruit or even live separated from the vine. (Jn 15:6) It is the vine that is rooted. The foliage and fruit are new every season but the vine remains year-round. It’s branches are but conduits of the life-flow within the vine. Jesus began this parable saying of himself, “I am the true vine, …” (Jn 15:1) “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.” (Jn 15:4)
Pruning is Necessary – The vinedresser knows that pruning is necessary to maximize the quality and quantity of fruit. Pruning eliminates that which hinders the life-flow of the vine. Pruning cuts off the wild growth and keeps the branches trained to the trellis. Pruning limits the production of foliage so that the energy of the vine goes into the production of fruit. Pruning terminates branches that do not produce fruit. “… 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.”(Jn 15:1–2)
Fruit is the Purpose – As I survey the neatly groomed rows of lush green foliage I am reminded that the vineyard has been planted for the sole purpose of producing fruit. Jesus said, “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.”( Jn 15:5) The appearance, taste and sweetness of the fruit reveals the conditions and care during it’s production and is also reflected in it’s market value. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide …” (Jn 15:16)
Fruit is the Glory of the Vineyard – The vineyard and it’s owner are known by the the fruit that they produce. The owner’s pride is in the product that his vineyard produces (nature, taste and value). “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (Jn 15:7–8)
Lessons from the vineyard;
- I must remain connected to Christ. Apart from him I can do nothing.
- I must not resist pruning. It may be painful but it’s necessary.
- God intends for me to produce fruit.
- The fruit testifies to God and brings Him glory.
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