A Parable of the Blackberry Bush

Before

When I planted blackberries about four years ago I didn’t know a thing about growing them.  All I knew was how much I like eating them.  So I went to the internet and found a page that told me the best varieties to buy, how to plant them, and how to care for them.  I learned that once they finish producing berries each summer, the canes that had produced berries should be removed.  There are new canes that grew this spring, but it is the previous year’s canes that produced this year’s berries and that need to be cut out.  For, you see, these canes will not produce fruit again.  Next year’s fruit will be produced only on the canes that grew this year.

Before

When I learned about removing the blackberry canes, I was reminded of what Jesus taught his disciples.  His followers lived in an agrarian society, so they knew about unproductive branches and what needs to be done with them:

“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. . . By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples (John 15:1-5, 8).”

Good Fruit

Jesus was telling His followers that those who have truly given their lives to Him (those who abide in The Vine) will bear good fruit, because He will give them the ability to bear fruit.  The Bible goes on to tell us what good fruit is and how we can bear good fruit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).”

After

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God . . . Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord (Ephesians 5:1-2, 8b-10).”

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18).”

The instructions I found about my blackberries went on to say that once the unproductive canes are removed, they should not go into the compost pile, but should be burned.  Apparently, the older canes are susceptible to disease that can spread to the newer canes, as well as to the rest of the garden.  The same holds true in God’s garden.  Those who are not producing fruit will be cut off and thrown into the fire to be destroyed.  They cannot be allowed to remain, or their sinful lifestyle can infect those who are younger, weaker, and easily deceived:

“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 (John 15:6).”

The Old Canes, Ready to be Burned

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them . . . Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. (Ephesians 5:3-7, 11-12).”

“And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).”

My prayer for you and for me this week is adapted from Philippians 1:9-11 –

(Dear Jesus,) it is my prayer that (our) love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that (we) may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through (You,) Jesus Christ, (My Lord), to the glory and praise of God.

All Scripture references are from the English Standard Version.