Today I wanted to share with all of you a crazy thought I've been chewing on for quite some time. I was reminded of it during my morning Bible reading on the porch. Today I was in John 15.
As everyone knows, the Bible uses several word pictures (or analogies) to illustrate our relationship with God. Many of these word pictures are drawn from agriculture and farming. Thankfully, being a farmer has given me an insight into some of these analogies. Since I've raised sheep (and goats and cattle), for example, I might read John 10 with a knowing smile on my face (yes, we actually do name our animals!). Here in John 15 the word picture involves grapevines. Jesus says, "If you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like and it will be granted." Here the picture is one of grapes attached to a vine. Well, I've never had a vineyard! Yes, I can visualize in my mind what Jesus is talking about, but I have no personal experience with it.
In addition, I've noticed that in the past 10 years or so my region of Virginia has shifted in terms of what is grown on our farms. It used to be a tobacco growing region, but many farmers took the buyout and today you'll see more corn and soy beans than tobacco. I've also noticed vineyards sprouting up all over the place.
In fact, on the itsy bitsy rural tertiary road where I live, the local dentist began growing grapes a couple of years ago.
This means that every time I drive down the road I get to see these beautiful plants in all their magnificent beauty.
Don't worry, I'm not talking about opening a winery! But wouldn't it be cool to grow maybe an acre of grapes just to get the experience of cultivating this fruit and maybe to get a deeper insight into the word picture Jesus is using in John 15? After all, he is the life that surges into our lives!
Anyhoo, just toying with the idea.