Remain Family

By Doug Snyder

Spring is knockin' on winter’s door. 

Our youngest, Andrew, noticed emerging flowers as we removed the grill and picnic tables from storage. Beth will soon be in the garden. One of her happy places.

John 15 records Jesus’ teaching on gardening and family. This powerful parenting imagery has 3 timely lessons that affect your future.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Lesson one: remain grafted. Don’t get uprooted by fear. Those spreading fear amid COVID19 are fake gardeners. The goal of fear is to uproot faith and replant elsewhere.

Lesson two: bear much fruit. Don’t become distracted by lack of supply. It’s not your concern. It’s the Gardeners.

Two times, in verses 1 & 8, Jesus refers to “my Father” as The Gardener. This is very important, as The Gardener is literally God, the Father of Jesus! Note, as you are grafted into the vine, and remain, you are grafted into family, because God becomes your Father too, through Jesus. 

Bearing much fruit brings glory to the Gardener. (vs8) And that is your Father’s hope, that you bear much fruit. It’s the Gardener’s job to ensure supply, nutrients, and pruning for abundant production. You job is to bear fruit. Stay focused in this season. 

Lesson three: your future depends on trusting your Father, the Gardener, God.  Display an example of childlike trust for your children. Your lifestyle must harmonize what your lips say.

Join God’s family. Remain in God’s family. Remain grafted to Jesus. Bear fruit. This brings glory to Father God. And it’s one foundation of parenting we must pass on to our children.

“You’re a good, good, Father…”