For though now He pruneth...

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. John 15:1,2 (ESV)

As I watched what I first thought to be the pruning of a fruiting mulberry tree take place, the words of this poem came to mind. The tree itself was actually cut all the way to the ground, for the purpose of keeping the roots from growing to the point of causing damage to the sidewalk which leads to our apartment entrance. Dianna and I were saddened to see it go, as we had enjoyed watching the squirrels and birds eat from it, and had partaken of the fruit ourselves.

From the vantage point of our balcony above, we could see that our capacity to see things below had broadened. Thus I am reminded that we are to continually look to the LORD, to see things from His perspective. It is of His prerogative to do with us as He will, and as He has designed us to bring forth fruit unto His glory, He will use others, even the hands of evil men to make us like Christ.

For though now He pruneth
By hands of men sent.
Through sadness He gladdens.
We shall not relent.

Through loss He doth increase
Our most ultimate joy.
His love worketh all
For our good and His glory.

We praise Him for all
Of His fruit in His season
To increase our vision
Delight in His reason.

Though our sins are like scarlet,
We so gladly confess
That Jesus our Root
Is our sole Righteousness.

So as He protects
All in those He invests,
We gladly will praise Him,
As in He Who knows best.

Michael E. Wood
October 1, 2010