What is the vine?

1/22/08

"Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?" - Eze_15:2

Can I claim the fruit that is produced through me? If there be any patience, is it mine? Where did it come from? Is there any growth? Am I responsible for it? Have I any intellect? Ability? Knowledge? Understanding? Who gave it to me? What am I among all the people of God? Is my position of my doing? Is my service and station in life because of ME? Would not others do as well or better? Who chose me? Am I more fit for heaven than another? Do I face fewer temptations because of my own righteousness? Are my debts fewer and smaller than those of others? Is my sin of less consequence than the sins of others?

The vine is dependent upon the tree, as I am dependent upon the Lord. The vine grows as the tree grows, and the Lord provides all that is needed. Should the root be puffed up over the leaf? Without either, the tree dies. The fruit grows only as it is attached to the branch, and the branch attached to the tree. So I must be attached to Christ, immersed in His Spirit, living and feeding from Him. My own character will be fruitful and cleansed from sin. Death and decay await should I allow myself to be separated from the Lord.

I am humbled by this thought time and again. How dare I think, even for a moment, that it is my greatness that allows me the privilege of seeing souls saved, attendance at church rise, my leadership that people rally around. It is foolish to think such thoughts. These thoughts should be separated, and die. It is the glory of God, that I should be allowed to serve and be useful in such a position. Let God receive the credit for all fruit that grows in me, and let it be abundant - that whatever hinders it may be evidently removed. God is the great husbandman - and so I ask him to please prune my life that it may be as fruitful as He has made me to be.