God Calls You Branches of the Vine

Metaphor: Branches of the Vine

Concept: For us city folks agricultural illustrations take explaining. There are some simple truths here that will encourage you in your walk with God.

John 15:1-5 I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. 2 Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.3 You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you]. 4 Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.  AMP

 Vines carry the life fluids that maintain life and cause them to produce life. God is pictured here as the vinedresser or person who cares for the vines so that they continue to produce life and are kept safe and healthy. This requires that they are pruned or cut back on a regular basis. Although painful this process also causes the vines to produce even more fruit in the proper season.

This parable is a picture of God’s continued care for us. He desires to be involved in our lives and continuously seeks to work in ways that help us grow in Him. We however must seek Him diligently according to Heb 11:6 if we are to see the rewards of an active walk with Him. James 4:8 reminds us that we must draw close to Him and then He will draw close to us.

Father help us to draw close to you so that you are free to work in our lives so that we produce the life that is in You!