Vines
John Miller
04/19/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 4/19/21 ____________________________________________________________________ "Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven and see; have regard for this vine." - Ps. 80:14 |
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I came across this small vine stretching over the surface of a large flat rock on our property. It certainly could not receive any nourishment from the rock, but only from the soil from which it grew. And apparently that was enough to sustain it and allow it to flourish. Scripture speaks often of vines. In fact, Jesus referred to himself as a vine. But in the Old Testament scriptures it was the chosen nation of Israel which God called his vine. It was God who nourished it, protected it, and directed it. It was during a time of trial that the psalmist implored God to not forget his vine, to see its need, and to direct its path. Some of the nation of Israel followed God's direction, some did not. God has always had a remnant, a chosen people upon whom he has a special regard. Today, that vine, that elect object of God's concern and blessing is his church. Made up of both Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, from every nation, tribe and tongue, this vine still grows in a barren world that has forgotten its Creator. The rock upon which we have been placed is hard and cold and yet we are called to be witnesses to the One from whom we derive our nourishment. We cannot change the rock, but through the power of the message we proclaim some of the rock will be changed and engrafted into the vine. On our own, we can do nothing. With his strength, we can do anything. Our strength is a derived strength, an imparted gift, and a sacred trust. Our prayer must always be like the prayer of the psalmist, "Lord, have regard for this vine. Direct us. Protect us. Strengthen us. Let us not live out the life you have given us in vain." = John
