Our Scripture reading today is John 15:1-2.
Verse 2, "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."
The illustration that Jesus uses in this text would have been clearly seen and understood by His disciples. There were grape vines every where in ancient Israel. We were grafted into Christ for the purpose of bringing forth fruit. This is to be the daily goal of every born again believer. The fruit bearing Christians can expect to experience the purging or pruning process to take place. This is for our good and the sake of producing even more fruit for the husbandman (God).
As we live in this sinful world, there will be distractions that keep us from bearing more fruit. There comes a time of removing any and all distractions so we can see clearly. “Dead wood is worse than fruitlessness, for dead wood can harbour disease and decay…God removes the dead wood from his church and disciplines the life of the believer so that it is directed into fruitful activity.” (Tenney) The pruning or purging process can be a painful and frustrating time but in the end it will be seen and understood as a needful exercise. God always knows how to help His branches bear more fruit.
Have a blessed day!
Pastor