Jesus used many symbols and images when he spoke. He is the consummate poet. "Through Him all things were made" and He alone knows the meaning, purpose and fulfillment behind all facets and features of our created universe. One of His analogies for human life is that of a vineyard which is planted and expected to grow and bear fruit. In order to grow we need to desire and stretch ourselves continually towards the Uncreated Source of life and growth....we need an open heart in order to move ahead in the order of wisdom....listening, thinking, resolving, expanding. An open heart is perhaps a more rare commodity than many folks would reckon. We tend to live in miniature prisons. Consider the various forms of prejudice and discrimination prevalent in our world, ridiculous as they are. Consider labels and constructs such as "conservative" and "liberal" with the polarization and alienation these cause. Consider the bloodshed that has been effected over territories and points of view. Wise people tend to transcend all such things as they transcend their very selves and their cultural influences.
Trees and plants stretch towards the sunlight. We must learn to stretch out our arms upwards with great desire for knowledge and the right ordering of human love in our lives. God invites us to an open heart and a humble spirit. He invites and He provides. Our response to God shapes our eternal destiny. The many material distractions and misalligned attitudes of this world form a crucible of testing for us. Are we aware that we are being tested....that this life is a great period of trial? And we are responsible for being open and receptive to the supernatural growth and development that God wills for us. It is not enough to "grow up" in the world, but rather to grow "fruitful" in the kingdom or "vineyard" of God.
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