The Vinedresser

As I read John Chapter 15, I think about my grandfather. As a wine farmer in South Africa, he took great care in cultivating his vineyards. In fact, the vineyard was always on his mind. He would protect it from frost in the night, get up early in the morning to check on its wellbeing and tend to its growth during the day. For him, it was not a duty or a burden, but a great delight throughout each season.

He had a specific plan for each vineyard. Some were destined to produce champagne, others wine, and others delicious fresh grapes. Each one would be cultivated with purpose. Whether amending the soil and water levels for optimal nutrition, providing trellises to support the branches, giving the grapes access to more sunlight, or pruning the branches back in preparation for the next harvest, it required tender, loving care in every aspect of the life of the vine.

In this passage, Jesus says our Heavenly Father is the Vinedresser. If my grandfather took such good care of his vineyards, how much more does God care for us! As we abide in Him and in His love, He lovingly nurtures us. Perhaps David grasped this when he wrote Psalm 138:8: ‘The LORD will fulfil His purpose in me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your hands’.

If there is an area that you’ve not fully entrusted to the Lord yet, today is a good day to talk to Him about it. Be encouraged that you are always on His mind and that He cares for you. ‘How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You’ (Psalm 139:17-18).

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You lovingly watch over me, protect me and provide for me. Help me to abide in You and in Your love today. Amen.