Not Good For Much Else

“Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, [or than] a branch which is among the trees of the forest? Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will [men] take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?” (Eze 15:2-3 AV)

Although these two verses appear in a border context of correction, the Spirit had me consider the principle involved.  A grapevine is made of the same basic composition as other woods.  Yet it is not nearly as versatile.  An oak tree can be harvested for any number of things.  One can use it for hardwood floors, wall covering, and furniture.  There are old ships built with oak that sailed the seas.  Pine is a softer wood often filled with natural pitch.  In the ancient days, it was used as the primary wood for building homes.  Baseball bats, tool handles, and Christmas trees are some of the many uses of pine.  Cedar is a great wood for warding off insects.  Aromatic and soft, this wood is used to store precious and vulnerable things.  It often lines a closet and is used to build dressers.  The odor of the wood repels moths and other harmful bugs.  For the grapevine, there is little use for it outside of its greatest function.  Some use it to weave baskets, but it cannot be used for much else.  What it does best is produce fruit.  The passage of concern mentions using the grapevine and kindling for a fire.  The best use of the grapevine is to produce grapes.

God made Israel for a purpose.  Their purpose was to be an example to the rest of the world of godliness.  In their holiness, they were to be an attractant for the rest of humanity to Jehovah God.  The church was created for the same purpose.  It was created to take the gospel to the lost and disciple the saved.  If Israel and the church fail in the primary calling, there is little use for them.  Yet, the Spirit wants us to consider the same principle in a different light.  Individually, we are all created for a unique purpose.  There are general callings to which all souls came into being.  We are all to accept Christ.  We are all to glorify God.  We are all to serve God.  We are all called to sanctification.  There are many general callings to which all souls are called.  There are specific callings unique to us.  Sometimes they are simple.  Sometimes they are grandiose.  But all are necessary.  The lesson to learn is that if we stray from our unique purpose, we are of little or no use.  Some are like the oak that can be used in different ways.  Most are like the grapevine.  We were created to bring forth fruit.

Israel lost her way.  The church is repeating that pattern.  Israel is as wicked as any other nation on earth.  They have rejected their Messiah.  They have welcomed hedonism.  The church is quickly becoming a den of entertainment.  We have abandoned true preaching, soul-winning, and discipling for that which attracts a client base.  We run them like a business and not like a family.  The believer was created to bring forth fruit into the LORD.  We are all here for that reason.  Above that purpose lies one unique to you.  Find it.  Prepare for it.  Fulfill it.  Don’t chase other goals.  Don’t abandon purpose of life for the pleasures in life.  Produce that fruit meant to glorify the LORD.  If not, you and I won’t be good for much else.