|
|
|
| Understanding Seasons and the Vinedresser |
|
|
|
Greetings!
I am sorry about the delay ... I saved this devotion and failed to send it Tuesday. Thanks for understanding.
Recently, in Slovenia, a grapevine was uncovered that is said to be over 400 years old. I have always thought of grapevines, being from the Central Valley's rich farmland, to be seasonal crops with little reflection on how long grapevines lived. However, as I age, I find "old vines" intriguing and complex!
Some of the best wines in the world are stated to come from "old vines". These old vines have been cared for by the vinedresser. It turns out that each vine has it's own personality, character and bent. Each vine is thus cared for by the vinedresser in a unique manner to aide that vine in producing quality fruit in abundance.
Isn't it interesting that Jesus took time before He left earth to teach us of the Vine and the Vinedresser? We are just like those vines ... we start supple and ready for life and end up knotted, gnarled and twisted! All kidding aside, God used the vine analogy because the vinedresser knows his vines. He desires the vines to be healthy and will do what each vine needs for growth, development and fruit. Sounds like God to me!
|
|
|
Jesus explains the role of the Vinedresser
1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 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. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 "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. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
~ John 15:1-8 ~ |
|
| Allow the Vinedresser to do His Work and Understand the Season
As I was studied up on this passage of Scripture and on grapevines I learned that vines are pruned after the harvest and leaf fall. Up until that time, the vinedresser is caring for the vine by watering, fertilizing, nurturing, lifting branches and general maintenance. All the while, the vine is producing fruit.
Where are you in the season of life? Are you in need of fertilizer, nurture, staking down, lifting up, watering, feeding, etc? The trouble with each of us is that we think we know what we need but it is actually God, the Vinedresser, that has our best interest in mind (Romans 8:26-29). God knows what we need and when we need it ... this is the role of the Vinedresser and we must stay attached to the Vine, Jesus, and allow His work to be complete.
This week, as you face the trials and victories of each new day, look to the Vinedresser for guidance and wisdom. He knows what needs to happen. He knows what you will face. He has the answers you need.
It is our job to learn of the seasons we are in and allow the Vinedresser to do His work. When we fight against His care we are like that withered grapevine cast aside ... we have stopped bearing fruit and are good only for burning! Fight against the tide of humanity and allow the Vinedresser to prune, disciple, encourage, strengthen and challenge. You will bear much fruit as a result and find joy in life.
32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command ...
1 Chronicles 12:32 |
|
For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
