"God's Umbilical Cord"
A sermon preached by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) based on John 15:1-8.
I read an interesting story that occurred several years ago at a Presbyterian Church in Ohio. The pastor was leading the Call to Worship and after the congregation had read the line: “God has not forgotten us,” the pastor was suppose to read, “Could a mother forget the child she has nurtured?” Instead, the pastor read, “Could a mother forget the child she has neutered?” In the front pew a woman who was nine months pregnant began to laugh so hard that she went into labor.
Perhaps some of you have seen the movie Nine Months, starring Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore. Hugh Grant who plays Samuel Faulkner has mixed emotions when his girlfriend Rebecca Taylor, played by Julianne Moore, becomes pregnant. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Rebecca goes into labor and they are forced to have Dr. Kosevich who is played by Robin Williams deliver the baby. Dr. Kosevich is an overly nervous Russian doctor with a weak grasp of the English language. Samuel who is rather nervous himself finds himself face-to-face with the reality of child-birth and that he is about to be a father and is scared to death. In the delivery room Samuel and Dr. Kosevich literally passed out.
Without a doubt, one of the most memorable and wonderful experiences of my life was the birth of my children. While thinking that I might pass out, I proudly say that I was able to witness both of my children’s births without the slightest bit of nausea or faintness. I did, however, have to excuse myself when the epidural was administered, but I even cut the umbilical cord without a problem.
Jimmy Mills has written a sentimental poem entitled, “A Mother’s Love.” Within the poem is a beautiful metaphor for the umbilical cord, which reads:
Perhaps some of you have seen the movie Nine Months, starring Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore. Hugh Grant who plays Samuel Faulkner has mixed emotions when his girlfriend Rebecca Taylor, played by Julianne Moore, becomes pregnant. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Rebecca goes into labor and they are forced to have Dr. Kosevich who is played by Robin Williams deliver the baby. Dr. Kosevich is an overly nervous Russian doctor with a weak grasp of the English language. Samuel who is rather nervous himself finds himself face-to-face with the reality of child-birth and that he is about to be a father and is scared to death. In the delivery room Samuel and Dr. Kosevich literally passed out.
Without a doubt, one of the most memorable and wonderful experiences of my life was the birth of my children. While thinking that I might pass out, I proudly say that I was able to witness both of my children’s births without the slightest bit of nausea or faintness. I did, however, have to excuse myself when the epidural was administered, but I even cut the umbilical cord without a problem.
Jimmy Mills has written a sentimental poem entitled, “A Mother’s Love.” Within the poem is a beautiful metaphor for the umbilical cord, which reads:
“No other love can compare
to a love a mother has for you. I must say:
It’s unconditional in every way.
She carried you for only nine months
but her umbilical cord remains connected to your soul,
a bond that will never be severed
for she will love you forever.”
to a love a mother has for you. I must say:
It’s unconditional in every way.
She carried you for only nine months
but her umbilical cord remains connected to your soul,
a bond that will never be severed
for she will love you forever.”
This is, in a sense, what Jesus was saying in our Gospel Lesson this morning. Jesus was a true Rabbi, using every day images and language to teach. And certainly this is apparent in the 15th chapter of John’s gospel, where Jesus offers a beautiful metaphor of the vine and the branches.
It is often said that the difference between a Rabbi and a Teacher is, the Rabbi will show you a lesson, whereas the Teacher will tell you a lesson. When Jesus spoke about vineyards, the people of Judea knew what he was talking about. Harvesting grapes was a prominent industry that had been carefully cultivated over the centuries. They could identify with this metaphor. They had no trouble understanding and even seeing the lesson that Jesus was giving them. It was a part of their culture. But this metaphor goes much deeper than their vineyards and finely crafted wines. Its roots ran much deeper than the literal roots that were embedded in their Judean soil. Its roots were planted in their hearts. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel was likened to a vine or a vineyard. The prophet Isaiah pictured Israel as the “vineyard of God.” Through Jeremiah, God refers to Israel as “a choice vine.” Through Hosea, God admonishes Israel for becoming “a barren and empty vine.” And in the Psalms, God compares Israel to “a vine that came out of Egypt.”
Even Josephus, the Roman historian, informs us that over the Temple in Jerusalem was carved an exquisite, gold-leaf grapevine. It stood as a symbol of identity for the people of Israel. You see, in their eyes, Israel was the true vine, whose roots ran all the way back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And in our Gospel Lesson this morning Jesus reminds us that we, like Israel, are a part of God’s vineyard. That we, the church, is a vine or branch connected to the true Vine – Christ in the vineyard or kingdom of God.
Amber and I recently watched a movie entitled, Bottle Shock, which told the story of the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting where new California wines beat out the top French wines in a blind tasting by some of Paris’ most respected wine experts. The event shocked the wine world and officially put California on the map as a major contributor to wines. Prior to this, it was believed that only the French could make fine wines. The movie portrays the life of several struggling winemakers and vineyards in Napa Valley. And how, they become literally famous overnight.
But this competitive spirit to produce great vineyards and fine wines has always been a part of every age and culture, country and even region. In fact, I read a bumper sticker once which stated: “Virginia makes wine! Napa makes auto parts!”
But when people settled into new regions and areas they brought their vines with them. They transplanted their vines and sought to grow new varieties by remaining connected to their roots, while at the same time, putting down new roots. In many respects, that is what Jesus was saying. We are new branches but in order to be vibrant and fruitful we must stay connected to the true Vine and rooted in the soil of God’s Vineyard.
Through this wonderful metaphor, Jesus likens himself to a vine, while the fruit bearing branches are his followers. God, the farmer is depicted as the one who cultivates the vineyard. It is God who waters and tends the soil so that the vine is properly nourished.
But this nourishment, this Christ-like life, this faithfulness, this holy living comes by being connected to the true Vine – Christ himself. It comes when we abide with him. You know, I love this word “abide.” It is the Greek word meno, which literally means to “dwell with” or to “make a home with.” It denotes what Paul teaches in his epistles that we live in Christ and Christ in us!
After reading I have discovered some interesting things about the vine. First of all, I read that the strongest point of any vine is where the vine and branch are connected. It is almost impossible to break the vine at this point. I also read that a young vine is not permitted to bear fruit for the first three years of its life. Instead, it is pruned in December and January to preserve its energy. The particular branches that do not bear fruit are cut out to further conserve the energy of the plant. If this constant cutting back was not done, the result would be a crop that was not up to its full potential.
And certainly these two facts speak of our relationship with God through Christ. It is in Christ that we are truly connected to God – it is a strong bond that cannot be broken or severed. And, it is in the pruning of our lives – which is the working of God’s Spirit, that our lives become stronger, more mature and fruitful and more reflective of the character and person of Christ.
You know, I can’t think of a better Gospel Lesson to be read on this Mother’s Day. The vine/branch relationship speaks so well of the umbilical cord that connects the mother to her child. The fetus cannot live without the umbilical cord which supplies oxygen to breathe and nutrients to grow. The umbilical cord is the source of life for the fetus while in its mother’s womb. Even when the child is born and the umbilical cord is cut, there remains an emotional umbilical cord between the mother and her child. And certainly, this is a beautiful and fitting analogy for our relationship with God – the father and mother of us all. The Spirit of God becomes our umbilical cord. It is God’s Spirit which becomes our breath or ruach. It is God’s Spirit which feeds and nurtures us. It is God’s Spirit which gives us life.
Sadly, many people dismissed the idea that the Bible portrays God as both the father and mother of all creation. Now, friends, I am not saying that God is a woman, anymore than I am saying that God is a man - God is “Spirit,” and what’s more, God is Creator - who created both male and female - father and mother and thus as Creator, it is only right that God reflects that which God has created. Now, I know, that oftentimes, the Bible, when addressing God in prayer, uses the image of God as Father and Jesus even made it more intimate and personal when he referred to God as Abba or “Daddy.” But in images used in talking about God the Bible equally attributes feminine characteristics to God.” Machrina Blasdell offers a beautiful picture of God as our Divine Mother. She writes: “Any understanding of motherhood includes cajoling, guiding, and giving – as well as discipline. Isn’t this a bit like God’s role as the Vinedresser? God tends, a mother guides. God counsels, a mother teaches. God prunes, a mother takes away, or puts in “time out,” or in some way disciplines. But in both cases, the aim is to grow good fruit.”
I think we’ve all heard the expression “returning to our roots." In this case, it has a double meaning. Jesus is reminding us, and what a fitting day as we celebrate Mother’s Day, that we need to return to the roots of our faith, that we must stay connected to God the Father and Mother of us all – whose very Spirit becomes the umbilical cord or a vine connecting our heart to the heart of God who loves us and cares for us, and who nurtures and nourishes us that we might bear much fruit. Amen.
It is often said that the difference between a Rabbi and a Teacher is, the Rabbi will show you a lesson, whereas the Teacher will tell you a lesson. When Jesus spoke about vineyards, the people of Judea knew what he was talking about. Harvesting grapes was a prominent industry that had been carefully cultivated over the centuries. They could identify with this metaphor. They had no trouble understanding and even seeing the lesson that Jesus was giving them. It was a part of their culture. But this metaphor goes much deeper than their vineyards and finely crafted wines. Its roots ran much deeper than the literal roots that were embedded in their Judean soil. Its roots were planted in their hearts. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel was likened to a vine or a vineyard. The prophet Isaiah pictured Israel as the “vineyard of God.” Through Jeremiah, God refers to Israel as “a choice vine.” Through Hosea, God admonishes Israel for becoming “a barren and empty vine.” And in the Psalms, God compares Israel to “a vine that came out of Egypt.”
Even Josephus, the Roman historian, informs us that over the Temple in Jerusalem was carved an exquisite, gold-leaf grapevine. It stood as a symbol of identity for the people of Israel. You see, in their eyes, Israel was the true vine, whose roots ran all the way back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And in our Gospel Lesson this morning Jesus reminds us that we, like Israel, are a part of God’s vineyard. That we, the church, is a vine or branch connected to the true Vine – Christ in the vineyard or kingdom of God.
Amber and I recently watched a movie entitled, Bottle Shock, which told the story of the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting where new California wines beat out the top French wines in a blind tasting by some of Paris’ most respected wine experts. The event shocked the wine world and officially put California on the map as a major contributor to wines. Prior to this, it was believed that only the French could make fine wines. The movie portrays the life of several struggling winemakers and vineyards in Napa Valley. And how, they become literally famous overnight.
But this competitive spirit to produce great vineyards and fine wines has always been a part of every age and culture, country and even region. In fact, I read a bumper sticker once which stated: “Virginia makes wine! Napa makes auto parts!”
But when people settled into new regions and areas they brought their vines with them. They transplanted their vines and sought to grow new varieties by remaining connected to their roots, while at the same time, putting down new roots. In many respects, that is what Jesus was saying. We are new branches but in order to be vibrant and fruitful we must stay connected to the true Vine and rooted in the soil of God’s Vineyard.
Through this wonderful metaphor, Jesus likens himself to a vine, while the fruit bearing branches are his followers. God, the farmer is depicted as the one who cultivates the vineyard. It is God who waters and tends the soil so that the vine is properly nourished.
But this nourishment, this Christ-like life, this faithfulness, this holy living comes by being connected to the true Vine – Christ himself. It comes when we abide with him. You know, I love this word “abide.” It is the Greek word meno, which literally means to “dwell with” or to “make a home with.” It denotes what Paul teaches in his epistles that we live in Christ and Christ in us!
After reading I have discovered some interesting things about the vine. First of all, I read that the strongest point of any vine is where the vine and branch are connected. It is almost impossible to break the vine at this point. I also read that a young vine is not permitted to bear fruit for the first three years of its life. Instead, it is pruned in December and January to preserve its energy. The particular branches that do not bear fruit are cut out to further conserve the energy of the plant. If this constant cutting back was not done, the result would be a crop that was not up to its full potential.
And certainly these two facts speak of our relationship with God through Christ. It is in Christ that we are truly connected to God – it is a strong bond that cannot be broken or severed. And, it is in the pruning of our lives – which is the working of God’s Spirit, that our lives become stronger, more mature and fruitful and more reflective of the character and person of Christ.
You know, I can’t think of a better Gospel Lesson to be read on this Mother’s Day. The vine/branch relationship speaks so well of the umbilical cord that connects the mother to her child. The fetus cannot live without the umbilical cord which supplies oxygen to breathe and nutrients to grow. The umbilical cord is the source of life for the fetus while in its mother’s womb. Even when the child is born and the umbilical cord is cut, there remains an emotional umbilical cord between the mother and her child. And certainly, this is a beautiful and fitting analogy for our relationship with God – the father and mother of us all. The Spirit of God becomes our umbilical cord. It is God’s Spirit which becomes our breath or ruach. It is God’s Spirit which feeds and nurtures us. It is God’s Spirit which gives us life.
Sadly, many people dismissed the idea that the Bible portrays God as both the father and mother of all creation. Now, friends, I am not saying that God is a woman, anymore than I am saying that God is a man - God is “Spirit,” and what’s more, God is Creator - who created both male and female - father and mother and thus as Creator, it is only right that God reflects that which God has created. Now, I know, that oftentimes, the Bible, when addressing God in prayer, uses the image of God as Father and Jesus even made it more intimate and personal when he referred to God as Abba or “Daddy.” But in images used in talking about God the Bible equally attributes feminine characteristics to God.” Machrina Blasdell offers a beautiful picture of God as our Divine Mother. She writes: “Any understanding of motherhood includes cajoling, guiding, and giving – as well as discipline. Isn’t this a bit like God’s role as the Vinedresser? God tends, a mother guides. God counsels, a mother teaches. God prunes, a mother takes away, or puts in “time out,” or in some way disciplines. But in both cases, the aim is to grow good fruit.”
I think we’ve all heard the expression “returning to our roots." In this case, it has a double meaning. Jesus is reminding us, and what a fitting day as we celebrate Mother’s Day, that we need to return to the roots of our faith, that we must stay connected to God the Father and Mother of us all – whose very Spirit becomes the umbilical cord or a vine connecting our heart to the heart of God who loves us and cares for us, and who nurtures and nourishes us that we might bear much fruit. Amen.
posted by Pastor Christopher @ 11:39 AM
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