By Guest Writer
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 27:1-13, Isaiah 28:1-29, John 15:1-8
There’s not much that gets my seven-year-old more excited than the word “iPad.” Sure, there are a few other things that hype him up, like Superman ice cream and an hour at Chuck E. Cheese. But the chance to play one of his favorite games on our family tablet definitely ranks high on his list. The only problem? iPads, and essentially every other electronic device, have to be charged regularly. And I’m notoriously bad about making this happen.
So when the beloved iPad comes out, it pretty much always needs to be charged. And seven-year-old boys are notoriously bad at waiting.
There have been times when I’ve watched the battery hit 4 percent, only to have my kid anxiously beg to unplug it and start playing. But that 4 percent is about enough power to get the thing turned on and maybe see the opening screen of a game. Then it shuts down. And the dreaded “Connect to Power” screen comes on.
It kind of makes me wonder how often you and I walk around with a “Connect to Power” warning stamped on our minds and hearts. Reading this prophecy from Isaiah 27, we get a great picture of what our relationship with God was created to look like—a vineyard that is being watered and cared for by its owner.
“I am the LORD, who watches over it to water it regularly. So that no one disturbs it, I watch over it night and day.”
—Isaiah 27:3
But how often do we get impatient with this process? How often do we try to do things in our own way, disconnected from our source of purpose and peace? Isaiah’s prophecy declared that God’s people would blossom and fill the world with their fruit, as long as they stayed connected to the vine (v.6).
I don’t know a lot about gardening, but I know there is a season to plant and a season to reap. As we grow in our walk with God, there is a process to planting and harvesting. And while the pruning in the middle isn’t always fun, it is necessary. Like my son, I can be so tempted by the thrill of immediate gratification. I think I know best what I need, and so often I’ve looked for that outside of God. But the Bible tells us the way of the world will come to ruin, and this is no place to put our hope and trust (vv.10–11). If we want to live a life that glorifies our Father, the best thing we can do is stay on the vine because the richest fruit comes from our lives when we stay close to Christ (John 15:4).
May we not be so distracted today by the promises of this world or the confusion of our hearts that we forget to abide in the One who is the source of true life.
Lord, may you be glorified through us today. Amen.
Written by Abby Flynn
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