The Vinedresser

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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15: 1-8 

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John chapter 15 starts off by talking about fruit, vines, and branches. It can get a little confusing unless you understand a little bit behind the analogy that Jesus is using, and why He would choose to use such an analogy to describe Himself. 

Do you know what a vinedresser is? At first, I assumed that it was just a another name for a farmer. When I looked into the meaning of the word, I found out that a vinedresser was much more than just an ordinary farmer. The vinedresser was the one who cared for the fruit-bearing vines specifically. Caring for vines like that- such as grape vines- is no easy task. Even though they only produce fruit during certain seasons, they require much care and upkeep all year round. Pruning, fertilizing, watering, etc. takes a lot of time, and the vinedresser was the one that would take the time to do all that, in order to nurture the vines so they could grow better. Then he had to turn around and do it all over again. Most fruit-bearing vines, like grapes, are not just annual plants. They last years and years if properly cared for- but years and years of hard work are required to make sure that the desired effect of fruit is produced.

This analogy is a wonderful example of how God works in our lives. He is our Vinedresser, constantly taking care of us and guiding us so we can produce the desired effect of belonging to Him- the fruit of the Spirit. Sometimes, that requires things that we might not like so much. One thing that comes to mind is "spiritual pruning"- the things that God uses in our lives to prune us back so that eventually, we become more like Him. Often, God uses difficult times and experiences in our lives to do this. It's easy to become doubtful and wonder why God would allow us to go through tough times, and I have wondered about that myself. However, it becomes easier when we remember that God is working through those times, pruning us so we are transformed more into the likeness of His son, the true Vine.

 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. John 15:5