Let the Vinedresser Use the Knife

Let the Vinedresser Use the Knife

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2.

This is something we know very well; we hear about it at almost all of our meetings and gatherings; we sing “Bend me, mold me!”; we have a longing to bear more fruit. We probably also feel many times that the fruit we bear is too sparse, that we actually need to be cleansed in order to bear much more. That’s why we should really be very thankful when the Vinedresser steps in to cleanse us. It should be clear that this is only positive, only a benefit for me.

But the Scriptures give many earnest exhortations that clearly show that it is not a matter of course for us to take the Lord’s treatment in this way. “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. . . . For they [our human fathers] indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.” Heb. 12:5-11. “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” 1 Pet. 4:12.

Why is it so difficult? This may be because the Vinedresser chooses the knife He wants to use, and this goes against my human nature. If God Himself had spoken directly to me from heaven in a powerful vision, I would have lain there humbly and quietly and accepted His chastening. If He had sent an elder brother in Spirit and truth, an apostle, to point out what needed to be cleansed away, I probably would have accepted that, too. But now, for the most part, He uses completely different knives. It could be family members, my spouse, or my children who react to something, perhaps even unconverted children who react with strong opinions and little insight. It could be in the world around us, through the people and situations we encounter in our daily lives. It could also be within the brotherhood, perhaps a reaction from a brother or sister, who in some cases, I feel should instead begin by looking at the beam in their own eye. The knives are different. But isn’t the important thing for me what the Vinedresser wants to prune from within me by using that particular knife? Doesn’t the Lord have something He wants to teach me in this particular situation?

“The Husbandman’s sharp knife, O soul, resist not; thus shall your tree bear fruit so pure and rare. Then with the oil you’ve gained from crushing olives, you can anoint your fellow members here.” WotL 342. This is the way to bear more fruit, to partake in the anointing in our life and in our ministry.