“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He trims so that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2, TLV

Snip. Snip. Snip.       Have you ever seen a vineyard after it has been pruned? When we lived in northern California for five years, we would drive by vineyards after the pruning and those poor things looked like twigs planted in the soil. But, in due season, they were lush with leaves and beautiful fruit. Without the pruning, eventually, the vines would be weak and the fruit tasteless.

Ultimately the vineyard would no longer bear fruit.

What about our Messiah’s analogy? Because I have experienced the vineyard’s cycle, I know that even a productive branch needs to be pruned, along with the nonproductive ones. How does that apply to us? Whether our Heavenly Father cuts off the barren branch or prunes the productive ones, it’s all about the fruit. Real fruit cannot be faked.

I think God cuts off the branches of my own efforts that aren’t producing — my attempts at growing my own fruit — because I have no edible fruit on my own.

When He prunes productive branches, it’s to prune me out of the way. So that I don’t try to take ownership of the miraculous fruit. That way I won’t corrupt the good fruit in the future.

The alternative would be an inedible, ugly tree. And I don’t want that. No one does. Right? Even if the process isn’t the most enjoyable thing in the world.

So, cut and prune away, Lord. Snip. Snip. Snip.

Think More About It

The vineyard was pruned at the right season. Not every day. Have you recently had a pruning? Or are you in the pruning process now? How do you remain in peace?

May we accept the pruning in peace, my friends.

Praying for Israel—Prayer Prompts

Elohei-Tzva’ot [GOD of Hosts], please return!
Look down from heaven and see!
Now take care of this vine—
the shoot Your right hand planted—
the son You strengthened for Yourself. Psalm 80:15-16, TLV

The shoot of Jesse, the vine, and branch. Look down from heaven and see, Abba. How long? We moan and grieve, but we trust in You. Thank you for praying with me, my friends. God bless you.