Tomato Theology

Six pots of pampered tomato plants line the east side of our patio. The joy of harvesting the rich red fruit of the vine increases exponentially this month in Southern California. But the joy follows months of careful nurturing.

I’m the nurturer and vinedresser of these six vines. Those of you who know me well can imagine what my intensity brings to the process.

I’m a mess.

The websites don’t help by offering vague advice coupled with doomsday warnings.

“Don’t overwater or your tomatoes won’t ripen. But whatever you do, don’t let them go too long without water during the hot days of August and September!”

“Fertilize your plants or they will soon stop producing fruit. But whatever you do, don’t use too much fertilizer or you’ll burn the vines!”

“Prune your tomatoes to induce fruit production. But whatever you do, don’t over-prune or you’ll traumatize the plants!”

Like I said, “I’m a mess!”

Every time I obsess and worry over my care of my vines I think about the One who cares for me.

His name is Jesus, the Son of God.

He told me plainly that His Father is the Vinedresser of my life—never under or over pruning. He assures me that His Father knows exactly how to produce maximum fruit in my life, even when the pruning may hurt a little.

His word tells me plainly that He is full of grace and truth. I think of grace as the water that satiates my thirsty soul with love and mercy. I think of truth as the fertilizer that stimulates growth through His Word and His community.

Sometimes I try to take that responsibility from the Vinedresser and His Son. You know, the responsibility of caring for me, of stimulating growth in my life, of soothing my thirsty soul.

When I do that, I’m really a mess. Because then I’m not just trying to grow some fruit to make my sandwiches better, I’m trying to grow the fruit that everyone I love desperately needs.

Are you a mess today? Could it be that your failure to trust in the Vinedresser and His Son to care for you is the reason?