Rest in the Master Gardener

By: Jenny Hinners

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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 bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. John 15:1 (NASB)

Do you ever feel frustrated or discouraged about the pace of your spiritual growth? Perhaps – despite your best efforts – you are struggling to overcome nagging strongholds, negative thought patterns, or the way you view yourself. Maybe your angst is about the spiritual growth of someone you care about. This week, the Lord has been calling me to give back to Him the burden of my own spiritual growth in areas where I still need victory.

In John 15, Jesus refers to us as “branches,” He is the “True Vine” and the Father is called “The Vinedresser,” or “Geórgos” – a Greek word sometimes alternatively referred to as “farmer” or “gardener.” God’s children are also identified as God’s field or garden in 1 Corinthians.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field... 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (NASB)

Who causes the growth? God! We may be able to nurture ourselves and others spiritually by conversing with God, reading Scripture, and fellowshipping with other believers. But ultimately, it is God, the Master Gardener, who is responsible for pruning His “branches” and causing us to produce fruit; He alone receives all credit for any spiritual growth we attain.

Are our own efforts wasted, then? No. They are rewarded. Our toil in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). However, apart from Jesus, we can do nothing and bear no fruit. God calls us to draw near to Himself – to stay in vital union with Jesus Christ, our True Vine. He also desires our obedience more than sacrifice – either one of which may include spiritual activities (1 Samuel 15:22).

Are you overburdened because you are taking on more than that? Perhaps the Lord is saying this to you now about your spiritual growth: Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30