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Meditation 7.5
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On Saturdays, we consider a passage of Scripture:
“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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 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. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
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Soul searching
The upshot: Bear fruit!
Of course, many times we do not realize the fruit we bear until years later. The idea is not to go around looking for the fruit we bear, but to live as God would have us and let the vine dresser look for the fruit.
Also, I used to think the fruit was how many people I “led to Christ”. I later learned that the fruit is love, joy, peace, etc. (Gal. 5:22).
As a rose gardener and vinyard caretaker and all around arboretum janitor, I know the value of pruning and trimming but it is difficult for me to do. I am glad my Father is willing to do those things to me with a plan to make me all I am supposed to be for Him. Knowing He knows what He is doing allows me to let Him do His work with much less complaint but I am glad He is working slowly and patiently.
You prune and trim Mumsee? Good for you! It must be done right, nipping just above the bud to maximize the flowers or fruit, I think. It is a huge amount of work. I’m glad God is willing to do it.
I am lazy, on the other hand. So I use a gas powered Stihl 4-stroke trimmer with big oscillating blades. The hacking detestation I leave behind horrifies true gardeners!
One part of this passage has always bothered me, i.e. the part about gathering those who do not bear fruit and casting them in the fire.
If these people are saved, then I assume the fire is the one that burns up useless works. If these people are not saved, then it is too horrible to even consider.