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Monday, May 15, 2006
Vineyard Theology
Psalm 22:25-31; John 15:1-8
Once again Jesus upsets the traditional applecart, this time calling himself God's "True Vine." That metaphor was a centuries-old popular symbol of Israel, God's chosen people among all the nations of the world. What's his point this time?
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Our church has a resident wine maker, up and coming in knowledgeable circles for his reds and whites alike.
That's ironic, to say the least, since we continue to serve only pasteurized grape juice for Communion.
Matt Smith was recently written up in the Alameda Journal. I loved the last paragraph:
"'I've seen his confidence level skyrocket, personally and professionally,' [his wife Kathy] said. 'He's so sure of his ability to make good wine, and he really loves the whole process, from pruning to blending. He discovered his passion, which most people aren't fortunate enough to find.'"
And that's exactly what Jesus is talking about when he grabs hold of the "God's Vineyard" image and applies it to himself. He's talking about God's great passion, from pruning to blending the sweet product of his abundant harvest.
For centuries the Jews understood themselves to be God's "vineyard" planted in the midst of all the nations, to give the whole wide world God's gifts of beauty, nourishment, and satisfying pleasure. Like an excellent glass of wine at the world's very best banquet.
Prophet after prophet said so. Jewish coins picked up the metaphor, stamping a lush grape-filled vine on each one. The Temple's holy place was decorated with the image of a fruitful grapevine, and benefactors gladly contributed gold grapes as memorial gifts to decorate that image.
Now Jesus boldly claimed, "I am the true Vine!"
Then he developed the word picture to emphasize that not national or religious identity mattered, but a personal relationship to God through Jesus.
How would that work, you might ask.
Like a vine and its various branches, he says.
Every branch, if it's true to its purpose, will bear a ripe cluster of grapes. To do so, it has to remain firmly connected to the vine. Life juices, the water of life, will then course through the branch and -- voila -- the fruit of the vine!
But if a branch goes dry, somehow losing its vital connection to the vine -- it's cut off and thrown into a bonfire. Jesus builds into his story a stern warning. "Abide in me," he says, "And I will abide in you." Otherwise...
I think of two important applications.
1. Every one of us, if we're serious about Jesus' way with the world, needs to work at staying closely connected to Christ. Refocus daily on his place and meaning in your life. Read a bit of the Bible, say a few sentences of prayer, and set your mind on Christ's real presence as you make your way through each day. (Most of us aren't very mystical, able to pulse effortlessly with the lifeblood of Christ in our hearts. So, we'd better work at it in practical steps.) Otherwise...
2. All of us together, if we each do #1 above, grow more closely connected to each other as we each stay close to Christ. That means we're more available to know, love, trust, and support each other in achieving #1 above.
I think of the genius of the 12 Steps programs. A newcomer to the addiction recovery process is matched up with a sponsor, a veteran who's now available to be your coach. This person has been through essentially everything you're now facing, and has prevailed so far, working the program and achieving day after day of mini-victories. When the going gets rough you can call out for help and know that you will get it!
At the heart of the 12 Steps is an utter realism about life's difficult struggles. And I'm convinced the church vibrates best with spiritual vitality when we know each other well enough to be honest about our struggles. To tell each other the truth. To love and accept each other as we really are. To give and receive the help of fellow strugglers.
For I believe it's when the hard times come that God's great passion for his Vineyard comes most clearly into focus. Like our friend Matt, God loves everything about a healthy, fruitful vine -- "from pruning [discipline in the midst of trouble] to blending [fruitful harvest yielding pleasant wine]."
Imagine that. God's greatest passion turns out to be our best blessing -- a gold-medal vintage of spiritual fruit!
posted by Jack Buckley at
11:04 AM
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