CONNECTING POINT: Pruning Has a Purpose

Early this spring, my wife and I met with some arborists regarding some trees that needed attention at our home. I’m not a tree guy or even a green thumb; gardening is Dina’s thing. I generally get to “do” the other stuff: install, fix, or adjust the sprinklers, build a planter, remove the tree stump, etc. I learned some valuable information about our trees and their growing behavior. Proper pruning is done for the tree's health; improper pruning creates unhealthy behavior. One tree is being robbed of water and nutrients because of some sucker branches, resulting from a cutting I did years ago.

As a pastor and student of the Bible, I value deeper study, especially understanding the context, audience, and original language. Kyle Idleman shares something I’ve never heard addressed over several decades regarding John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit while he prunes every branch that does bear fruit so that it will be even more fruitful.” In Greek, “cuts off” is the word air, which can translate as remove, take away, lift, or bare. Jesus’ illustration of the grapevine is excellent, pruning is necessary, however “lifting up” grapevines is also standard practice for growth. Kyle remarks, “How much different would your life be if we went from a He’s (God) going to “cut me off” theology to a He wants to lift me up theology?” Given the context, there is merit in both lifting of branches and pruning other branches. The same Greek word "airo" is found in John 5:8 and John 8:59 where the context of lifting or picking up is understood.

God is the “good gardener,” and Jesus is the vine; followers of Jesus are the branches. God desires us to look and be more like Jesus; this involves lifting and pruning. First, we remember it is God’s job to prune. His sovereignty works in the details of our lives, shaping and forming us as we remain connected to Jesus. Second, God does prune every branch in us that doesn’t bear fruit. For example, a tree needs dead or diseased removed for better growth. Representing sin in our lives, which God wisely wants to prune so that we can grow. Sucker branches also need removal. They can represent things that aren’t necessarily bad but weaken our connection to Jesus. Interestingly, a good gardener also often removes some healthy branches for optimal growth. These may represent a lost job or a goal that has changed.

Two other valid points that Kyle brings up include: One, pruning is not punishment. Sadly, some develop a negative view of God as some harsh creator when that’s not the picture established in the Bible. God is perfect and holy; He is just and righteous. Please don’t impugn God’s character with that of sinful humans who choose to disobey Him or disregard His Word. Second, pruning feels pointless but has a purpose. God has a picture in mind, and He wants us to be more like Jesus; this is the goal.

The iconic Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid introduces Daniel to the creative art of bonsai tree care. Beyond Hollywood and great theatrical stories, there is an actual market for bonsai trees, some fetching millions of dollars.

Is it possible that God may be pruning our lives? Think about this and trust Him in the process. Pruning is for our good and His glory.