So, what does it mean to bear fruit? When we bear fruit, there is a certain expectation that there will be comfort or ease in this fruit-bearing, yet in vs. 1 it is evident that we see that the Gardener will always continue to prune (cleanse) us so that we bear more. Therefore, there will likely be some measure of pain or discomfort associated with the bearing of fruit. More importantly, what is the nature of this fruit? We assume it is the Fruits of the Spirit, which I believe is correct, however what does this text in John say about this fruit and its purpose?
The purpose of the fruit, according to this text, seems evident, but let me share my shot at the translation of the Greek for the segment of text from 15:6-10.
"If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown away, like the branch which dries up and is gathered up and thrown into the fire to be burned (this tense here is a "burning", rather than a completed action). If you all (plural) remain in me and my word remains in you all, then whatever you desire to ask will become to (for) you. In this my Father is glorified, in order that you all bear much fruit and become my disciples. As my father as loved me, I have loved you all. Remain (Imperative)in my love. If you obey (follow, keep) my commandments, you all are remaining in my love. Just as I obeyed my Fathers commandments and remain in His love."
Recall from the previous blog post, that we are all branches connected to the Vine, in the Vine; however, the branches have a purpose beyond just being connected to the Vine. There is a active sense associated with the verb "remain" rather than a passive one. The passive sense could simply imply that once we are connected to the Vine, then all is well. Well, in a sense, that is true for Jesus is the true Vine, and indeed, being connected to Him is very good. Yet the text does not stop there, does it? As I mentioned before, verses 1 and 2 state that we all are in the vine yet some branches need to be removed because they are not fulfilling their purpose--bearing much fruit. But then inevitably, we will ask, "Ok, fine, but what does that mean? How do I bear more fruit? What fruit am I supposed to be bearing?"
If you are asking these questions, that is good thing! We need to ask questions--spend anytime in the Scriptures and you will see that every person who ever interacted with Jesus always had tons of questions--"Hey, what does the parable mean?" "Hey, how can I have eternal life?" "Hey, what does born again mean again?". These questions came from Jesus twelve disciples, a Rich young ruler and a Pharisee who sought Jesus out in the dead of night. Even Moses asked God questions like "Who are you? Why do you want to send me to Pharoah?". So asking questions is good for it is how we grow beyond where we are right now. The important thing is that we listen, really listen, to the answers that Jesus provides for often we continue to ask the same questions over and over again when Jesus has already given us the answer, according to the Scriptures. So, let's turn back to the Text. We can always spend time discussing what we think the metaphor of the Vine means in relation to our connection to Christ, but it is essential to look at the Text and let it speak to us, rather than us speaking to it.
Pay attention first to that all important conditional "IF", which indicates that there is a possibility that "you all" won't do what He is saying. Or you all might. It is what is called a subjunctive tense, and it gives us a sense that we are somehow obligated to respond, to assent to what Jesus is describing about Himself as the Vine. But, essentially, there is a possibility, or danger, that we will not respond, or assent. Being aware of this tense should give us a sense of how important what Jesus is saying with regard to how we approach our relationship with Him--we are always in danger of somehow slipping away from (consider Hebrews 2:1-4) what we know to be Truth, and that should keep us awake and aware of where we are in relation to the True Vine, Jesus--at all times. If we do not remain in the Vine, (which we should perhaps understand, at least according to the Text, that the branches who remain in the Vine are producing fruit (of some kind) then those branches that do not remain in the Vine are thrown into the fire to be burned (continually--can you say "ouch"!?). But these branches are not just chopped off and then burned immediately--they are allowed to dry up. They are left to dry up, then they are gathered (at some point in time?) and burned.
There is a huge oak tree in my backyard, and it is thriving and green, but there is a branch that has been apparently beaten up by a wind storm. What is evident is that it is still connected to the Tree because it hasn't fallen to the ground (and this has been for three months now), but it is also vividly dying, its leaves are brown and withered, lifeless, against the stark contrast of green, vibrant leaves surrounding it. But it is still connected to the Tree? How can this be? I have watched this branch for months as I sit upon my backyard swing, pondering how this illustration relates to the Vine that Jesus is describing in John 15. Also, if you have ever seen a tree die, over time, it's branches seem to die one at a time--it is a slow, arduous process, almost painful to watch as life seems to seep out of its branches. I ask myself some questions about the Vine--clearly it is possible to be still connected to the Vine without bearing fruit, and what if I am that branch? Am I bearing fruit? Or am I dying on the Vine? So, being in the Vine is not the goal; Jesus says "remain" in the Vine (intentionally active language that describes intentional, purposeful action). There is a relationship between the branches and the Tree--they both depend on one another, though certainly the branches depend greatly upon the deep roots of the Tree for nourishment, yet the Roots need the nourishment that the sunlight gives to the Leaves of the branches. There is a "give and take" relationship. Remaining could mean responding, or giving back, love or adoration--or thanks. If we must, we will use language like "produce" with regard to fruit, though I am sensitive enough to understand that in the West we have an understanding of "production" that is economically defined--quantity not quality, cheap not expensive, etc.--and thus can negatively impact our perception of what Jesus means when He asks us to produce "much fruit". We are not a manufacturing industry that produces numerous plastic-molded fruits with efficiency without regard for the longsuffering process of building "authentic, real, true" fruit that LASTS--which is a key theme mentioned later in this chapter. SO, with that in mind, I suggest that our "production" of fruit may correlate with how we respond to God's love in Jesus and that our response through obedience to his commandments appears to glorify the Father; Jesus is also quick to point out that He too has obeyed and love the Father, just as He expects us to do. This, according to this segment of Text, seems to be the purpose of the "much fruit"--we produce fruit by remaining in Christ, the True Vine, and "remaining" perhaps could be understood as responding to His love and obeying His commandments.
Consider again the tree and the branches--there is a two-way street occuring in that very essential connection between the two--are we receiving from Christ the grace and mercy that is a wonderful gift without responding in obedience to His Call on our lives as Christians?
Until next time. Peace.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Reflections on the Vine--Part 1
God has been calling me back again and again to the image of being in the Vine. The Vine that is so beautifully illustrated in the Gospel of John. The illustration begins by setting forth the main elements of the image of the Vine. Who is the Vine? Jesus. Who is the branches? We are. Who is the Gardener? The Father. The Scripture seems to want the hearer's of this parable to remember the essentialness of remaining (staying, dwelling) in the Vine. What does it mean to be in the Vine (v.1) as compared to the Scripture's recurrent call for us to remain (stay, dwell) in the Vine?
For many months, God has kept me resolutely planted (no pun intended!) in these select verses and chapters, reading and reflecting and re-reading and reflecting on these verses in Greek. I am ever thankful for the God-given wisdom and ability to read the Greek New Testament (albeit exceedingly slow at times! But I am getting quicker!). The Greek language opens up the Scriptures to me in a way that continues to astound and humble me. I would like to share my reflections on this text in several parts as I continue to study and read and pray for God's wisdom and insight into this exceedingly complex scripture.
Complex? You may wonder why I would say that the parable of the Vine is complex. After all, we Christians know the story of the Vine and bearing fruit, and all that jazz. We've all seen the vivid illustrations of the Tree, or the Vine, and the fruit--often rightly associated with the fruits of the Spirit in Ephesians. So, what is complex about that? Well, as anyone who has spent any amount of time in the Gospel of John comes to realize, there does not seem to be anything simple about John's theology, and the manner in which he illustrates the exceedingly abstract conceptions of faith, love and hope. After many months reading the Gospel of John, I continue to find myself back in the chapters on the Vine, seeking to truly understand the meaning of remain in the Vine, and Jesus' association with loving Him as He has loved His Father, which then seems to result in fulfilling His great commandment to "love one another".
I think the conceptualization of the Vine begins in Chapter 14 of John's Gospel. The Disciples, whom one would think would know to obey and understand Jesus' teachings, are asking him a series of questions that seem to irritate Jesus. Phillip and others ask Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus responds with question, "After all this time, you do not know that the Father and I are one? Do you not believe?" Jesus explains that what He says (λογος) comes from the Father, who is the One doing all of these works that Jesus is doing (miracles, healings, etc). Jesus then says, "If you can't believe that the Father and I are one, then at least believe in the Works that you have seen." What a strange thing to say? Is Jesus saying "fine, don't believe"? If one stops reading there, perhaps they would come away with that understanding, however, one should continue reading for Jesus is explaining to the Disciples the essential aspect of doing faith. See, Jesus explains that he has done the works in obedience to His Father, in order that the Father be glorified. Jesus is pointing to the Father as the primary One who deserves complete obedience and Glory. Jesus seems to be describing the nature of remaining and dwelling in the Father, which is then further illustrated in the Vine. Jesus says that the only ways He has done these works is because of His remaining in the Father--remaining perhaps being equated to love, which also seems to be a very evident theme in the segment as well. The point of remaining in Jesus is not so much about what we do but whom we glorify.
So, simply to be in the Vine is not the message of this parable. In 15:1, Jesus says that the Father will take away any branch in Him that does not bear fruit. The Text does not say where the branch will go yet, but it will be taken away. But the branch that bears fruit will be pruned (cleansed) by the Father in order for it to bear more fruit. The former branch that does not bear fruit clearly is in the Vine, yet it is taken away. Why? It is not bearing fruit. So being in the Vine is not goal rather remaining in the Vine, dwelling in the Vine, seems to indicate a more active experience rather than passively hanging out in the Vine. The Vine nourishes the Branches with the purpose of the Branches producing fruit. In Chp 14, Jesus is teaching His disciples that He and the Father are one, and the realization of this Oneness is His remaining in the Father thus producing the works of the Father.
Let us take one more step together into Chp 15. Immediately following verses 1 and 2 in the Chapter, Jesus explains that you all (ya'll) are already clean (which is a noun, but the same root as the verb used in vs. 1, "cleanse, prune") because the Word I have said to you all. In Chp 14, the Text tells us that the Word has been sent by the Father (v. 23-24), and we know, and are taught, and are being reminded of this Word through the Holy Spirit (14:17), whom is sent by the Father. Because of Jesus' teaching, which came from the Father, we have already been cleansed , pruned and thus should already being bearing fruit.
So, what does it mean to bear fruit? When we bear fruit, there is a certain expectation that there will be comfort or ease in this fruit-bearing, yet in vs. 1 it is evident that we see that the Gardener will always continue to prune (cleanse) us so that we bear more. Therefore, there will likely be some measure of pain or discomfort associated with the bearing of fruit. More importantly, what is the nature of this fruit? We assume it is the Fruits of the Spirit, which I believe is correct, however what does this text in John say about this fruit and its purpose?
More next time. Peace.
For many months, God has kept me resolutely planted (no pun intended!) in these select verses and chapters, reading and reflecting and re-reading and reflecting on these verses in Greek. I am ever thankful for the God-given wisdom and ability to read the Greek New Testament (albeit exceedingly slow at times! But I am getting quicker!). The Greek language opens up the Scriptures to me in a way that continues to astound and humble me. I would like to share my reflections on this text in several parts as I continue to study and read and pray for God's wisdom and insight into this exceedingly complex scripture.
Complex? You may wonder why I would say that the parable of the Vine is complex. After all, we Christians know the story of the Vine and bearing fruit, and all that jazz. We've all seen the vivid illustrations of the Tree, or the Vine, and the fruit--often rightly associated with the fruits of the Spirit in Ephesians. So, what is complex about that? Well, as anyone who has spent any amount of time in the Gospel of John comes to realize, there does not seem to be anything simple about John's theology, and the manner in which he illustrates the exceedingly abstract conceptions of faith, love and hope. After many months reading the Gospel of John, I continue to find myself back in the chapters on the Vine, seeking to truly understand the meaning of remain in the Vine, and Jesus' association with loving Him as He has loved His Father, which then seems to result in fulfilling His great commandment to "love one another".
I think the conceptualization of the Vine begins in Chapter 14 of John's Gospel. The Disciples, whom one would think would know to obey and understand Jesus' teachings, are asking him a series of questions that seem to irritate Jesus. Phillip and others ask Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus responds with question, "After all this time, you do not know that the Father and I are one? Do you not believe?" Jesus explains that what He says (λογος) comes from the Father, who is the One doing all of these works that Jesus is doing (miracles, healings, etc). Jesus then says, "If you can't believe that the Father and I are one, then at least believe in the Works that you have seen." What a strange thing to say? Is Jesus saying "fine, don't believe"? If one stops reading there, perhaps they would come away with that understanding, however, one should continue reading for Jesus is explaining to the Disciples the essential aspect of doing faith. See, Jesus explains that he has done the works in obedience to His Father, in order that the Father be glorified. Jesus is pointing to the Father as the primary One who deserves complete obedience and Glory. Jesus seems to be describing the nature of remaining and dwelling in the Father, which is then further illustrated in the Vine. Jesus says that the only ways He has done these works is because of His remaining in the Father--remaining perhaps being equated to love, which also seems to be a very evident theme in the segment as well. The point of remaining in Jesus is not so much about what we do but whom we glorify.
So, simply to be in the Vine is not the message of this parable. In 15:1, Jesus says that the Father will take away any branch in Him that does not bear fruit. The Text does not say where the branch will go yet, but it will be taken away. But the branch that bears fruit will be pruned (cleansed) by the Father in order for it to bear more fruit. The former branch that does not bear fruit clearly is in the Vine, yet it is taken away. Why? It is not bearing fruit. So being in the Vine is not goal rather remaining in the Vine, dwelling in the Vine, seems to indicate a more active experience rather than passively hanging out in the Vine. The Vine nourishes the Branches with the purpose of the Branches producing fruit. In Chp 14, Jesus is teaching His disciples that He and the Father are one, and the realization of this Oneness is His remaining in the Father thus producing the works of the Father.
Let us take one more step together into Chp 15. Immediately following verses 1 and 2 in the Chapter, Jesus explains that you all (ya'll) are already clean (which is a noun, but the same root as the verb used in vs. 1, "cleanse, prune") because the Word I have said to you all. In Chp 14, the Text tells us that the Word has been sent by the Father (v. 23-24), and we know, and are taught, and are being reminded of this Word through the Holy Spirit (14:17), whom is sent by the Father. Because of Jesus' teaching, which came from the Father, we have already been cleansed , pruned and thus should already being bearing fruit.
So, what does it mean to bear fruit? When we bear fruit, there is a certain expectation that there will be comfort or ease in this fruit-bearing, yet in vs. 1 it is evident that we see that the Gardener will always continue to prune (cleanse) us so that we bear more. Therefore, there will likely be some measure of pain or discomfort associated with the bearing of fruit. More importantly, what is the nature of this fruit? We assume it is the Fruits of the Spirit, which I believe is correct, however what does this text in John say about this fruit and its purpose?
More next time. Peace.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Truth in the Church
I have heard it said that Christianity is an ideal value system, a great ethical and moral teacher, particularly for children. Honesty is a foremost ethical and moral issue in rearing children. Children's first moral test is usually with regard to dishonesty (lying, stealing, etc).
Johnny, who has just turned 3 years old, has gotten into the cookie jar, without his Mommy's permission. He knows it, and above all, Mommy sees the telltale signs of the remnants that trail directly behind the couch, where the dirty deed was done.
Johnny is oblivious to the trail, and equally so to the crumbs on his shirt and chocolate stains on his lips.
Mommy asks, "Johnny, did you get into the cookie jar?"
Johnny replies, wide-eyed and serious, "No, Mommy."
After many minutes of dialogue, Johnny refuses to admit that he had disobeyed his Mother. When shown the cookies crumb trail, his eyes fill up and he gets very quiet and still.
The evidence of the misdeed is evident, even to this 3 year old.
Dishonesty is a moral and ethical issue, but I would challenge that it is much more than just a great value system, by which we determine who is "good" and who is "not good".
Johnny's choice to lie to his Mother was indeed a bad choice, but does his lying indicate that Johnny is not good? We would probably say that indeed Johnny is a young child, who must be taught truth.
So, back to where I began, if we say that Truth is important and we believe that Truth must be taught, then we must accept that our culture (in the U.S.) completely has warped the definition of truth. Truth has become relative, meaning truth has become a personal experience. What is true for one person may not be true for another. So, what is truth? This question has been asked since the dawn of time, I believe. This is where the Truth of God as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ becomes essential, for Christians.
It would seem that this is where the Church steps in--as Christians we are shaped and formed by the Truth of God revealed and manifest in the person of the message of Jesus Christ. This Truth--salvation by faith in Jesus Christ--is what makes us Christian. So, how is the American Christian Church doing with speaking truth? I think the Church in America struggles with defining and pursuing what I will call real, unbiased truth. Because of our relative culture, we, as a society, have been taught, without realizing it, that we should not offend or upset other people with our opinions, even IF they are coming from a place of truth. (Except if you're in the Media, but that's another blog!). In general, we want to please people so that they will like us, because if people don't like us then we are not successful. I think this is happening a great deal with Christian individuals and Church communities. Church leaders are successful in America if they produce a certain result--and that result is quantity. The American way--the more you have, the better!
I want to ask a question of Church leaders and believers--where in the world did we get this idea that the measure of success with spiritual formation was to be in quantity? This simply is not a Biblical truth. Evidenced time and time again in the Gospels, Jesus' had many fans but few real followers. What does the Church want to produce--followers or fans? Do we want people to like us more than truth as revealed in Jesus Christ? This issue of speaking truth directly correlates to how we want people to perceive us. If we say what others want to hear, "to tickle their ears", then we are not being truthful to the message of Christ. Christ came speaking truth in love, filled with mercy and grace, but it was truth all the same. And in fact, the truth He spoke to the "church leaders" of his day was pretty hard. Are we, as leaders, challenging one another to speak truth, in all categories of life? Are we dealing with conflict in a truthful manner, or are we simply ignoring issues or overlooking errors, simply because we don't know how to really speak truth? Do we embody the Biblical principle of Truth? If we do not embody Truth, those who look to us for wisdom, guidance and discernment will not be able to embody it themselves.
Like Johnny's Mommy, she had to embody the real truth by showing him the cookie crumb trail, otherwise Johnny would have continued in his own self-deception. She had to explain to him that Truth is an essential part of life, and it is integral to maintaining trust in relationships. Do we show one another the cookie crumb trails in our church communities and relationships, or do we cover them up with rationalizations or even judgment (criticizing others behind their back, gossip, etc) because our egos have been bruised or because we are afraid people won't like us anymore? These behaviors are not the way in which we reveal truth to one another in God's Church. In fact, the issue of honesty is what has caused many people to leave the church with the word "hypocrite" burned into their religious experience. What cookie crumb trails do we have in our communities, our relationships and our lives? What one's need to be revealed in truth? That old saying, "It is what it is," is one of my favorites.
My prayer is that truth in the American Church is defined according to the truth of Scripture, particularly the revelation of truth in Jesus Christ. We intellectually like Jesus' idea and concepts and we love to be fans, but becoming a follower often requires a higher commitment to speaking truth, in all circumstances, despite the fear of rejection. Remember, Jesus warned his disciples iat length, in the Gospel of John, about the rejection and pain that would come when they used His name. In the Church, we need to stop trying to please others, and focus on pleasing God. For when we please God, then God gives us the ability to truly love one another, even in the midst of conflict or confrontation. The Church will always be full of folks who will make leadership difficult and challenging, yet if leaders speak truth with love, then perhaps there would be less time spend on cleaning up the messes and more time focused on building disciples for Christ.
For me, this has been the hardest lesson in my leadership experience, and it continues to be a hard reminder of the cost to truly surrender one's life to Christ.
I continue to be thankful for the spiritual Mothers and Mentors in my life who have shown me my own cookie trails, revealing and pointing out places in my life that needed the light of Truth. May I continue to embody the Truth of Christ Jesus with the help of God's Holy Spirit who fills me anew with God's graceful love each day.
Johnny, who has just turned 3 years old, has gotten into the cookie jar, without his Mommy's permission. He knows it, and above all, Mommy sees the telltale signs of the remnants that trail directly behind the couch, where the dirty deed was done.
Johnny is oblivious to the trail, and equally so to the crumbs on his shirt and chocolate stains on his lips.
Mommy asks, "Johnny, did you get into the cookie jar?"
Johnny replies, wide-eyed and serious, "No, Mommy."
After many minutes of dialogue, Johnny refuses to admit that he had disobeyed his Mother. When shown the cookies crumb trail, his eyes fill up and he gets very quiet and still.
The evidence of the misdeed is evident, even to this 3 year old.
Dishonesty is a moral and ethical issue, but I would challenge that it is much more than just a great value system, by which we determine who is "good" and who is "not good".
Johnny's choice to lie to his Mother was indeed a bad choice, but does his lying indicate that Johnny is not good? We would probably say that indeed Johnny is a young child, who must be taught truth.
So, back to where I began, if we say that Truth is important and we believe that Truth must be taught, then we must accept that our culture (in the U.S.) completely has warped the definition of truth. Truth has become relative, meaning truth has become a personal experience. What is true for one person may not be true for another. So, what is truth? This question has been asked since the dawn of time, I believe. This is where the Truth of God as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ becomes essential, for Christians.
It would seem that this is where the Church steps in--as Christians we are shaped and formed by the Truth of God revealed and manifest in the person of the message of Jesus Christ. This Truth--salvation by faith in Jesus Christ--is what makes us Christian. So, how is the American Christian Church doing with speaking truth? I think the Church in America struggles with defining and pursuing what I will call real, unbiased truth. Because of our relative culture, we, as a society, have been taught, without realizing it, that we should not offend or upset other people with our opinions, even IF they are coming from a place of truth. (Except if you're in the Media, but that's another blog!). In general, we want to please people so that they will like us, because if people don't like us then we are not successful. I think this is happening a great deal with Christian individuals and Church communities. Church leaders are successful in America if they produce a certain result--and that result is quantity. The American way--the more you have, the better!
I want to ask a question of Church leaders and believers--where in the world did we get this idea that the measure of success with spiritual formation was to be in quantity? This simply is not a Biblical truth. Evidenced time and time again in the Gospels, Jesus' had many fans but few real followers. What does the Church want to produce--followers or fans? Do we want people to like us more than truth as revealed in Jesus Christ? This issue of speaking truth directly correlates to how we want people to perceive us. If we say what others want to hear, "to tickle their ears", then we are not being truthful to the message of Christ. Christ came speaking truth in love, filled with mercy and grace, but it was truth all the same. And in fact, the truth He spoke to the "church leaders" of his day was pretty hard. Are we, as leaders, challenging one another to speak truth, in all categories of life? Are we dealing with conflict in a truthful manner, or are we simply ignoring issues or overlooking errors, simply because we don't know how to really speak truth? Do we embody the Biblical principle of Truth? If we do not embody Truth, those who look to us for wisdom, guidance and discernment will not be able to embody it themselves.
Like Johnny's Mommy, she had to embody the real truth by showing him the cookie crumb trail, otherwise Johnny would have continued in his own self-deception. She had to explain to him that Truth is an essential part of life, and it is integral to maintaining trust in relationships. Do we show one another the cookie crumb trails in our church communities and relationships, or do we cover them up with rationalizations or even judgment (criticizing others behind their back, gossip, etc) because our egos have been bruised or because we are afraid people won't like us anymore? These behaviors are not the way in which we reveal truth to one another in God's Church. In fact, the issue of honesty is what has caused many people to leave the church with the word "hypocrite" burned into their religious experience. What cookie crumb trails do we have in our communities, our relationships and our lives? What one's need to be revealed in truth? That old saying, "It is what it is," is one of my favorites.
My prayer is that truth in the American Church is defined according to the truth of Scripture, particularly the revelation of truth in Jesus Christ. We intellectually like Jesus' idea and concepts and we love to be fans, but becoming a follower often requires a higher commitment to speaking truth, in all circumstances, despite the fear of rejection. Remember, Jesus warned his disciples iat length, in the Gospel of John, about the rejection and pain that would come when they used His name. In the Church, we need to stop trying to please others, and focus on pleasing God. For when we please God, then God gives us the ability to truly love one another, even in the midst of conflict or confrontation. The Church will always be full of folks who will make leadership difficult and challenging, yet if leaders speak truth with love, then perhaps there would be less time spend on cleaning up the messes and more time focused on building disciples for Christ.
For me, this has been the hardest lesson in my leadership experience, and it continues to be a hard reminder of the cost to truly surrender one's life to Christ.
I continue to be thankful for the spiritual Mothers and Mentors in my life who have shown me my own cookie trails, revealing and pointing out places in my life that needed the light of Truth. May I continue to embody the Truth of Christ Jesus with the help of God's Holy Spirit who fills me anew with God's graceful love each day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)