Sweet Grapes

“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ,
in them that are saved, and in them that perish.”
2 Cor 2:15 (KJV)

                Not long ago I had the pleasure of visiting a friend’s vineyard.   As we walked around, he pointed out that grapes are naturally small.  The grapes we purchase in the store are about twice the size they are normally.  He explained just before harvest a process called girderling is used to plump the grapes up.  As part of the process, the ground is flooded with water, the roots absorb the water and it travels up the trunk and out to the grapes and the grapes become larger.   He gave me a grape to taste & commented how grapes are sweeter when they do not go through this process.

                I pondered on the sweetness of the smaller grapes, ones not exposed to this process. It made me think of how we can ‘process’ our Christianity.  Through our processing we add a list of expectations & regulations.  It becomes a routine of what we are to do and by doing so we can lose the sweetness of an intimate connection with God.  

                The focus moves from a simple walk with God to the list of things I must do.  Instead of quiet times alone with Him, we fill our lives with busyness with the things we think He requires of us.  In our minds, His love for us becomes diluted and it becomes hard to see how we are a sweet scent rising to God, because of Christ. 

                Jesus’ strongest rebuke was to the Pharisees who added to what He desired, resulting in a burden on the people God never intended.   Have you placed burdens on yourself God never intended?  Does your relationship with Him have a sweet taste? If not, perhaps it is time to remove the obstacles caused by the processing & join Him in the quietness of your soul.

 

Take a Walk with God Today

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