One of the things I love to do in the spring and summer is vegetable gardening. It’s a small operation, but enough to give my family some tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, okra, etc. A garden isn’t just something you plant and then harvest—it takes tending. Every day I walk among the plants, pruning, watering, dealing with pests, fertilizing, and nurturing my garden. I trim away dead branches and suckers (offshoots) to ensure that each plant and vine receives the care it needs to produce the best fruit. A gardener’s presence must be regular, if not constant, and his or her work is vital for the health and productivity of the garden.
In the same way, Jesus is like the Gardener who walks among His churches. He is not distant or detached; rather, He is actively involved in our growth and health. Jesus prunes away anything that hinders us, nourishes us with His Word, and guides us toward greater fruitfulness. Just as the gardener’s goal is a healthy and fruitful vineyard, Jesus’ goal is a holy and radiant church, ready for His return.
Scripture Readings: John 15:1-8; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 1:12-20
Jesus used the illustration of a gardener and a vineyard to describe how He cares for His church and for each Christian, to ensure spiritual growth and our contribution to His mission. Paul used the analogy of a husband caring for his wife, and the image of our being washed and cleansed for holy service. In John’s vision, he saw Jesus as a Master walking among the lampstands that are His churches, as if trimming wicks and keeping a supply of oil so they keep burning.
The point is that Jesus is not a distant figure, removed from His church. In John's vision, His walking among the lampstands symbolizes His active presence and involvement in His churches. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus is deeply concerned with the health and holiness of His church. He is constantly at work, cleansing, refining, pruning, and guiding us toward greater faithfulness and fruitfulness.
Ephesians 5:25-27 paints a beautiful picture of Jesus' love for the church. He gave Himself up for her, and He continues to work in her, making her holy and radiant. This work of sanctification involves both encouragement and correction. Just as a gardener prunes a plant to encourage growth, Jesus prunes His church, cutting away anything that hinders our spiritual vitality.
As we seek revitalization, both personally and in His churches, we must be open to Jesus' refining work. This may involve difficult changes or uncomfortable truths, but the goal is always to make us more like Him.
Reflection Questions:
In what areas of your life and your local church do you see Jesus working? How can we be more open to His correction and guidance?
Are there areas where you need to allow Him to prune and refine you? How can we respond more fully to His ongoing work among us?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, thank You for walking among us and actively working in our lives and in our church. Help us to be receptive to Your guidance and give us the courage to allow You to prune away anything that hinders our growth. Make us holy and radiant in Your sight. Amen.
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