A few years ago, we planted some table grapes in the back yard so we could have a lovely, organic snack for our family. It takes a few years before you get any fruit, but there is a good chance you will never get any fruit unless two conditions are met: 1.) A healthy grapevine is planted in healthy soil, and 2.) The grapevine is pruned in the right way and at the right time. Growing grapes has taught me that you and I are not all that different than grapes…

Isaiah gets God’s Word for the nation of Israel, saying that God did everything necessary for the fruit from this “grapevine” (The nation of Israel) to be loaded with a healthy and delicious crop of righteousness and justice. Instead, the harvest from his people has not been a lack of good fruit, but unpalatable, sour grapes. God did everything for Israel to thrive, but Israel’s response to God’s guidance and care was disgusting and useless. It was time for some heavy pruning by God’s Word.

When pruning an overgrown grapevine, it can look like the famer is destroying the plant. But this intentional process is an act of love, removing disease, eliminating weak fruit buds, stimulating new growth, and focusing the nutrients taken in toward growing bigger, juicier fruit. Did you know that grapes only bear fruit on new growth?! We are not all that different. And did you know the more focused the grapevine is, the sweeter and bigger the fruit? We are the same. So the farmer chooses certain parts of the vine to keep and others to eliminate.

Isaiah later describes a shoot coming up from the pruned stump of Jesse – King David’s father. (Isaiah 11:1) This means Israel would be pruned back to the source where the good fruit of King David came from. Jesus, a descendant of David, later said, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” In other words, God restarted his vineyard with Jesus and you have been chosen to bear his fruit!

Questions for reflection:

  1. What has God provided you so you can be fruitful in your life? Take some time to thank him for his blessings and guidance.
  2. What needs pruned out of your life to increase your ability to “abide in Christ,” and increase your fruitfulness in this next season of life?