Grapes in Daniel’s Lunch

I make Daniel’s lunch every day, and I try to include one fruit and one vegetable. When Shoprite has grapes on sale for 99 cents/lb., Daniel has grapes every day that week! So frequently I am standing at the kitchen sink, pulling the “vine” out of the bag to wash the grapes. I can’t help noticing the difference between the plump, healthy, juicy grapes on the vine, and the sour withering grapes that have come off the vine and now lay at the bottom of the bag.

I’m not sure when this started, but every single time I see those withering grapes no longer connected to the vine, I think of one of my favorite chapters: John 15.

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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Those withering grapes are a reminder of what I do not want to be: Living life my own way. Apart from God. Unable to bear fruit. Thrown away like a branch and withering. Thrown into the fire and burned.

I look at those withered grapes and ask myself, why do I choose this again and again?

God is the “true vine.” His design is that I should “abide in Him,” bearing fruit as I look to Him, learn who He is, trust His character, lean on Him through the “pruning,” and grow through those trials to be more like Him. Eventually my life’s “fruit” will demonstrate whether or not I am abiding in Him.

A few noteworthy contrasts:

• Those who “abide in Him” bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
• God is glorified when we bear much fruit. Those who do not bear fruit are thrown into the fire and burned.
• Bearing fruit demonstrates that we are truly followers of Christ. Not bearing fruit reveals that we are not following Him.
• Obedience to God is motivated by our love for Him. Going our own way is proof that we are not “abiding in” and loving Him.
  

At the end of the passage, Christ says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Christ desires to give us His joy and He desires that our joy would be “full.” In all of our “strivings,” is this not what we are seeking? Do we not search everywhere for that elusive thing that will make us happy, whether in the big decisions or our mundane dailyness? And Christ offers Joy, Fullness of Joy, if we will abide in Him . . .

Good reminders, from those withered grapes. I think that’s why God always sees fit to include a whole slew of them in the bottom of my bag!!!