So, God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them…God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. -Genesis 1:27, 28a, 31a
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. -John 12:24
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He lifts up; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. - John 15:1, 2
Eventually, you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is. -Gary Zukav
Every year, vineyard managers must prune back the grape vines so they can produce new grapes. The process begins in the winter when the manager goes through the vineyard and prunes the shoots (branches) that produced the previous year’s fruit. He leaves only a few old shoots on each vine to produce new shoots in the spring.
Once spring arrives, the new shoots bear grapes for harvest that year. Over the summer, the grapes ripen and mature on these shoots. Then, come fall, the vineyard manager harvests the grapes and prepares them for wine production.
Eventually, the grape leaves turn yellow on the vines and fall off before hibernation during the winter. Once again, the vineyard manager prunes back all but a few shoots on each vine to produce new shoots for another new harvest.
So what does all of this have to do with you and me?
You might be surprised. It illustrates God’s tender, loving care for each of us because God is our Vineyard Manager.
With this in mind, let’s look closer and see what gems we uncover that could radically change our lives.
How has the vineyard manager’s actions brought healing and wholeness to the vines?
He carefully places the vines right where they need to be and gives them just what they need to flourish. Not too much moisture. Just enough nutrients. And plenty of light.
He lovingly prunes the old shoots from each vine. Taking away which is no longer. Leaving just a few shoots to grow the new life for the new harvest. This doesn’t happen without pruning. Love prunes away that which is no longer necessary, which impedes new growth (fruit) on the vine.
He tenderly cares for the vines throughout the year. And sees them come into complete health, wholeness, and fruitfulness.
This is a picture of how God brings healing and health to our own lives. We’re created in His image and likeness. He blesses His creation (each of us) and calls us “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
Our loving Father cares for us and puts us where we need to flourish. However, He must also prune us at the proper time to remove who we are not — in our thinking about ourselves, others, and God. All this so we may grow in our spiritual awareness and bear greater fruit for the harvest.
This harvest is a blessing not only to us but to others. Fruit for others is the purpose. Fruit that blesses and satisfies. Produced through our Father God's love (agape) and adoration.
What does this pruning represent in our lives? And what if we resist it?
John 12:24 states, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” Dying and resurrection is the cycle of physical and spiritual life. Traumas, hurts, and disappointments will come, but our Vineyard Manager knows what He is doing. He will care for us, lift us when we are fruitless and immature, and prune us to grow and mature and bless others.
If we resist the pruning, healing, and restoration may take longer and be more difficult. It’s much better to cooperate (teaming up!) with a good and loving God who seeks only our best. This is agape, the Greek word for sacrificial love. It means “to lead sacrificially another into rest.” Then, just as there is pruning, there is a regrowth and fruitfulness we could never imagine.
A new awakening
The healing and restoration that this brings is a new awakening, a higher way of living that leads to soul rest and peace. This is our true union and oneness in Jesus Christ.
If you’re in a season of pruning, here are four suggestions for cooperating with God’s healing and restoration as He brings you into a new awakening.
Embrace this season as a blessing, not a curse. It won’t last forever, but it’s the catalyst for new shoots and fruit. In other words, health, vigor, and a fulfilling purpose for your life.
Gratitude is giving thanks for what’s already been accomplished. It’s the evidence of faith at work. Thank the Lord for the season and for the health and restoration that are yours at this moment before it comes.
During a season of pruning, enjoy your soul rest in Christ. All is accomplished in Christ’s finished work, and you’re in union with Him. Everything is already done. Let your soul enjoy His finished work without any effort on your part.
Even in pruning, you ARE loved, adored, and accepted unconditionally. Reaffirm this each day, each moment, if needed. You ARE wonderful, a masterpiece, and amazing. Did you know your Heavenly Father thinks of you more times in a day than sands on the seashore? It’s TRUE.
Remember, your healing and restoration are part of His agape love for you. Let your attention be on Him each moment. That’s where you’ll find the new life and harvest you were created to enjoy.