Identity in Christ Series: Week Eleven. I Am A Branch in the Vine of Christ (Part 1)

In researching vineyard care and maintenance I discovered some amazing things that all point to how our Heavenly Father cares for us, the branches, in the Vine of Christ.  Today we will look at the the first three tasks of the vinedresser and the importance of each task.  We will also see how each task relates to the care we receive from the Father. 

            First, the vinedresser grafts branches into the established vine.  When new branches are brought in they do not have the natural immunities to diseases, parasites, and insects that the regional, established vine does.  Vinedressers graft the new branches up the vine, away from the ground.  As long as the branches don’t touch the ground they will be protected by the immunity of the vine, however, if they droop down to touch the ground they will quickly become infested and diseased. 

So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 AMP)

            Here James is reminding us that the only way we can resist, avoid, and stay away from the diseases (sins and temptations) of the enemy is to first be subject (submitted) to God.  Then we will be able to resist the devil.  When we are submitted to God we can use His nature, holiness, to resist the devil and all his schemes.  Holiness is like the natural immunity of God that prevents the infestation of sin into our lives. 

            Some might ask, “How can I live a holy life? I get that Jesus did but He was God.”  1 Peter 1:15-16 says, But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. (AMP) If it were not possible for us to live holy lives, God, who is all knowing would not have commanded us to do so. 

            “To be godly means to be Godlike. God is holy in all His ways. If we are to be like Him, we must be holy in all that we do and say. In this life we will never be as holy as He is, but we should be holy because He is.”

            “Christians are empowered to live holy lives by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Old Testament saints did not have this help and blessing. But since we are more privileged, we are also more responsible. The verse Peter quotes from Leviticus acquires a new depth of meaning in the NT. It is the difference between the formal and the vital. Holiness was God’s ideal in the OT. It has assumed a concrete, everyday quality with the coming of the Spirit of truth.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary copyright 2016 by William McDonald.)

            Being grafted into the established Vine of Jesus Christ provides us with the immunity of holiness that we need to resist the devil and his schemes. However, this does not get us off the hook or give us a free pass to laziness.  Remember, we must submit to God, following His example of holiness, through walking in obedience to His Word.  Then we must resist the devil, choosing to obey God rather than to follow the lusts of our flesh and our own selfish desires.  Only then will the enemy flee. 

            Another fact worth noting here is that this is not a one time resistance.  We must choose to resist every time the enemy approaches us with temptation.  Jesus is our example in resisting.  In Luke 4:1-13 we read that the devil tried multiple times to tempt Jesus to sin.  Each time Jesus resisted using scripture to stand firm against the enemies schemes.  We too must know the Word so we can use it to stand!!!

Second, the vinedresser has to prune the vines.  Pruning is a process that requires the vinedresser to get hands on with the plants. Each branch has to be inspected and evaluated before any pruning is done.  The vinedresser is looking at the past growth, the  present condition of the branches, and the desired future growth. 

            “Viticulturists (people who specializes in the cultivation of grapes) stress that all successes or failures in any given growing season depend first and foremost on the success of pruning.”  (winemakermag.com).  (Italics is my addition for clarification.)

I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. 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. You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you].(John 15:1-3 AMP)

            Every branch on the vine is pruned.  It is not uncommon for up to 90% of the previous years growth to be pruned away in order to prepare the branch for the coming growing season.  It is necessary for the vine to maintain a balance in order to produce the best quality fruit. 

The vinedresser knows his vines.  He knows their weak spots.  He is able to look at a branch and see where it needs pruning and what needs to be left alone to continue to grow.  Our heavenly Vinedresser too, understands our weakness and the temptations we face. 

For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like aswe are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16 ASV)

            Thirdly, vinedressers know that a certain amount of stress is beneficial for the proper development of the fruit.  Stressed vines produce a higher quality of fruit.  Stress in grape vines is caused by the amount of water they receive.  Vines that receive too much water will have an overgrowth of leaf production.  While under watered vines will not produce enough leaves.  It is a delicate balance.  Enough leaves must be produced to allow for proper amounts of photosynthesis to take place and for there to be intermittent shade on each vine. Also, the proper balance must be maintained to produce small clusters of grapes that get enough sunlight to trigger the ripening process.  (cawineclub.com)

My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience. But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4 MEV)

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. (Romans 5:3-4 AMP)

            Here we see that both James and Paul admonish believers to count the daily struggles we face as joy.  Pressure (stress) in our lives,  when allowed to, will produce great fruit.  The key here is “when allowed to” the choice is ours.  Will we maintain that attitudes of James and Paul or will we wallow in self-pity and discouragement?  

           I want to invite the Vinedresser to have His way in my life. I want to produce quality fruit that will last!  Having been grafted into the Vine of Christ, let us yield to the pruning process and count our trials as Joy!! 

           Next week we will continue looking at the tasks of the vinedresser and how they relate to our Vinedresser’s care of us!