LENT: Mar 10 - John 15:1-2

I am the true vine,

and my Father is the vinegrower.

He removes every branch in me

that bears no fruit.

Every branch that bears fruit

he prunes to make it bear more fruit.

John 15:1-2

Read that again.

•      If you bear fruit, you get pruned.
•      If you bear no fruit, you get pruned.
•      In other words, the purpose to live is to get pruned. 

Ouch.

Isn’t that the exact opposite of what most of want in life?

If you watch TV commercials, we’re told that life is supposed to be about comfort, pleasure, and ease. Jesus uses a different advertising agency.

•      Instead of Maxwell House’s “Good to the Last Drop,” Jesus says, “Good til the Next Pruning.”
•      Instead of Folger’s “The Best Part of Waking Up, is Folger’s in your Cup,” Jesus says, “The Best Part of Waking Up, is Pruning in your Day.”
•      Instead of Nike’s “Just Do It,” Jesus says, “Just Prune It.”
•      Instead of Coca-Cola’s “The Pause that Refreshes,” Jesus talks about “The Prune that Refreshes.”
•      Instead of American Express’s “Don’t Leave Home Without It,” Jesus says, “Don’t Leave Home (Each Morning) Without Pruning.”
•      Instead of General Electric’s "We Bring Good Things to Life," it’s Jesus saying, “Pruning Brings Good Things to Life.”
•      Instead of Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” Jesus says, “Where’s the Prunes?!!!”

So the question is … whether you like the campaign slogans or not, do you believe that the purpose to live is to get pruned?

Well, it depends on your perspective. If life is all about this earth, then give me comfort and ease. But if life is about eternity, then, “Jesus, help me realize that this life is just a fleeting moment, and do whatever it takes to prepare me for eternity.”

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who likes Allstate’s old slogan,

“You’re in Good Hands …”

… so, God, I trust you to prune

if you must