The Father Prunes

The Father Prunes
By Dudley Hall www.sclm.org

Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 (ESV)

As Jesus describes our relationship with him as branches on the vine, we are thrilled to know that the pruning will be done by the Father. It is good to know that it is not some hired man more concerned with getting the job done and receiving his wages than for the benefit of the branches. In the latter case, some branches might be needlessly be cut off and some unproductive ones left. But since the Father is the vinedresser, we can be assured that love and sovereignty will dictate what happens.

Of course, some prefer to embrace a gospel that does not allow for pruning. In their muddled mindset of mushy love, they contend for a universal good feeling for all who will buy their wares. Yet the vinedresser is interested in the whole vine and its productivity. He is compassionate, but determined that the vine will be healthy even if some of the branches must be removed.

This was the case with Jesus' disciples. Judas was one of his men who was removed because he would not stay with Jesus. Peter's incorrectly placed self-confidence was cut away in his personal failure and subsequent encounter with Jesus. He was not thrown away, but he was cleansed so he could produce true fruit. Thomas's tendency toward doubt was exposed and dealt with so he could be of use in this new people of God. In fact, all who follow Jesus will have wrong and needless concepts exposed and cut away. Those who profess to know him but don't exhibit the fruit of his life will be exposed like Judas, and they will abandon their profession.

What a privilege to be a branch connected to the true vine. We can expect his life to flow through us and his fruit to be displayed in us. Because we love the Vine, we are more concerned with the quality of the fruit than our own comfort. So we yield to the pruning decisions of the vinedresser. He is our Father.