Love this piece. Our young daughter used to cry when we would say, “Meanwhile…” (as in, ‘meanwhile, back at the ranch’). Then she would say, No! No! “Nicewhile!!! Nicewhile!”
Also - an interesting, life-giving translation point regarding the vine and the branches! John 15:2 is often translated “every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away” or ‘casts off.’ It is an often-used translation in many Bible versions that induces fear. It communicates to us that if a vine (us) doesn’t produce fruit, the vinedresser will throw it out, ‘cast it into the fire and burn it.’ (John 15:2,6). This translation is consistent with a demanding, punitive God and puts the emphasis on our effort; Produce or be cast out. However, ‘airo’ (the word translated ‘cast off’) can also be equally translated “lift up.” Vinedressers will tell you this is much more consistent with what they actually do! When a vine grows long or falls into the dirt where it cannot grow well, the vinedresser lifts it up - every vine is precious - and re-attaches it to the trellis where it can receive sunlight and nutrients and bear fruit again. When we are struggling, God’s heart is not to turn away or cast us off! His heart is to lift us up, to encourage us, to bring healing and restore us to a place where we can thrive again. If you’re struggling…be patient. Seek God rather than fear Him. Our loving Vinedresser will lift you up, restore you, and empower you to bear fruit again! When you have friends or family members who are struggling, rather than judging or ‘casting off,’ pray that our Father, the vinedresser, will slowly and carefully lift them up to a place where they can be fruitful. This is God’s heart for each of us!!
“Without love, all fruit is plastic.” That line alone could silence a thousand sermons.
Zach, this whole piece felt like Jesus knocking softly and saying, “Abide here tonight.” And maybe every night. And maybe forever. What your son’s desperate little “Oh God, Amen” captured is what the mystics, monks, and Mother Mary have always known: sometimes prayer is a groan, a sigh, a name, or just showing up.
Also, I’m stealing “MeTube” and claiming it as a theological metaphor.
Though unconventional as prayers go, I've adopted a piece of Dolly Parton's wisdom as my daily reminder: "Get off the cross. We need the wood!" This blunt phrase has become my personal call to action -- a way to reclaim my agency, focus on how I can contribute positively to the world, and shake myself free from any victim mentality that might be holding me back.
I admit I have struggled off and on with the evil in this administration. I was raised in a Christian home and have been one since I gave my life to Christ at a young age, but I will admit I was not always as diligent about my faith as I have been since I became a parent and doubly since our grandson was born. My family is on the "other side" and we have not spoken since the election. Your posts are so appreciated as they are encouraging. My prayers always include family and friends, but also those who have weaponized both religion and God and those whose evil has hurt this country and it's foundations. No one is without sin, but we do not have to own the sins of others. And I do pray for the love of Christ to penetrate their hearts and turn them from the hate and lies they so blatantly profess to the love He offers freely. I was particularly comforted by the understanding of abiding and will offer thanks in my bedtime prayers for a way to move through these troubling times. May God continue to bless you both as you continue to offer insights to lift us all up.
Desperate prayers for radical change in the Church. The decision to worship Jesus instead of following Jesus has misled for 1700 years. May God have mercy on us,
Thank you sharing this! I woke up this morning thinking about the vine and the branches scripture. My intention was to spend time reading that passage today, but I never got to it. How amazing it was to find this post! I truly appreciate the wisdom you've shared here. 🙏🏽
This was like a hug from a loving friend we did not expect to see. Our culture keeps drilling us with messages of accumulation and achievement. This reminds me that when we feel weak and vulnerable, then we can see the kingdom more clearly.
One of my unanswered questions for years is, What is the point of prayer, given God knows everything before it even happens.
I pray, but I often have the nagging thought, What’s the point. And now even more so with all the horrifying hate that has embraced 1/3 of our country. 💔
When our son was very young and would do something wrong we would question him about how a mistake would happen. He would say "Whobody would do that?" When I would say "Youbody," he would just shake his head no.
Thanks for a great message today, Zach. Will your new book come out in a digital form? That's mostly what I read now as we have no room in our small apartment for paper copies.
Love this piece. Our young daughter used to cry when we would say, “Meanwhile…” (as in, ‘meanwhile, back at the ranch’). Then she would say, No! No! “Nicewhile!!! Nicewhile!”
Also - an interesting, life-giving translation point regarding the vine and the branches! John 15:2 is often translated “every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away” or ‘casts off.’ It is an often-used translation in many Bible versions that induces fear. It communicates to us that if a vine (us) doesn’t produce fruit, the vinedresser will throw it out, ‘cast it into the fire and burn it.’ (John 15:2,6). This translation is consistent with a demanding, punitive God and puts the emphasis on our effort; Produce or be cast out. However, ‘airo’ (the word translated ‘cast off’) can also be equally translated “lift up.” Vinedressers will tell you this is much more consistent with what they actually do! When a vine grows long or falls into the dirt where it cannot grow well, the vinedresser lifts it up - every vine is precious - and re-attaches it to the trellis where it can receive sunlight and nutrients and bear fruit again. When we are struggling, God’s heart is not to turn away or cast us off! His heart is to lift us up, to encourage us, to bring healing and restore us to a place where we can thrive again. If you’re struggling…be patient. Seek God rather than fear Him. Our loving Vinedresser will lift you up, restore you, and empower you to bear fruit again! When you have friends or family members who are struggling, rather than judging or ‘casting off,’ pray that our Father, the vinedresser, will slowly and carefully lift them up to a place where they can be fruitful. This is God’s heart for each of us!!
I love "Nicewhile" haha. And this is a really cool insight about the vine and branches! Never heard it before. Thanks for sharing, Joe!
This post comforted me. Thank you for this. It gave me hope. Bless you.
I'm so glad, Elizabeth!
Lord have mercy, is a short appropriate prayer as well for me, for those times when terrible,unreasonable unexplainable events occur
Amen
Chasing vines. One of my favorite studies! Thank you for the reminder! Abide in me.
“Without love, all fruit is plastic.” That line alone could silence a thousand sermons.
Zach, this whole piece felt like Jesus knocking softly and saying, “Abide here tonight.” And maybe every night. And maybe forever. What your son’s desperate little “Oh God, Amen” captured is what the mystics, monks, and Mother Mary have always known: sometimes prayer is a groan, a sigh, a name, or just showing up.
Also, I’m stealing “MeTube” and claiming it as a theological metaphor.
Thank you for making the vine visible again.
Though unconventional as prayers go, I've adopted a piece of Dolly Parton's wisdom as my daily reminder: "Get off the cross. We need the wood!" This blunt phrase has become my personal call to action -- a way to reclaim my agency, focus on how I can contribute positively to the world, and shake myself free from any victim mentality that might be holding me back.
Dolly truly is a saint!
I admit I have struggled off and on with the evil in this administration. I was raised in a Christian home and have been one since I gave my life to Christ at a young age, but I will admit I was not always as diligent about my faith as I have been since I became a parent and doubly since our grandson was born. My family is on the "other side" and we have not spoken since the election. Your posts are so appreciated as they are encouraging. My prayers always include family and friends, but also those who have weaponized both religion and God and those whose evil has hurt this country and it's foundations. No one is without sin, but we do not have to own the sins of others. And I do pray for the love of Christ to penetrate their hearts and turn them from the hate and lies they so blatantly profess to the love He offers freely. I was particularly comforted by the understanding of abiding and will offer thanks in my bedtime prayers for a way to move through these troubling times. May God continue to bless you both as you continue to offer insights to lift us all up.
Love this, Jim! Thanks for sharing.
I loved this!!
Desperate prayers for radical change in the Church. The decision to worship Jesus instead of following Jesus has misled for 1700 years. May God have mercy on us,
I'm going to add "yesbody" to my vocabulary.
It’s so good haha
Thank you sharing this! I woke up this morning thinking about the vine and the branches scripture. My intention was to spend time reading that passage today, but I never got to it. How amazing it was to find this post! I truly appreciate the wisdom you've shared here. 🙏🏽
I love stories like these, Jackie! Thanks for sharing.
This was like a hug from a loving friend we did not expect to see. Our culture keeps drilling us with messages of accumulation and achievement. This reminds me that when we feel weak and vulnerable, then we can see the kingdom more clearly.
Hugs!
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Very uplifting.
Jesus, we trust in You.
Very nice piece Zach. Thank you!
One of my unanswered questions for years is, What is the point of prayer, given God knows everything before it even happens.
I pray, but I often have the nagging thought, What’s the point. And now even more so with all the horrifying hate that has embraced 1/3 of our country. 💔
When our son was very young and would do something wrong we would question him about how a mistake would happen. He would say "Whobody would do that?" When I would say "Youbody," he would just shake his head no.
Thanks for a great message today, Zach. Will your new book come out in a digital form? That's mostly what I read now as we have no room in our small apartment for paper copies.
I love his blatant refusal to accept "youbody"! It's cracking me up. And yes, the book will be available in digital form!