Brutal Pruning

Necessary Elimination

Pruning is elimination. It is the elimination of dead and diseased branches. But not only that, the process also includes removal of some live and healthy ones as well.

Outside Help

These actions are taken on behalf of the tree. The tree cannot perform this alone.

Sure, it does what it can. But God’s design is such that to maximize the health, aesthetic appearance, and productivity of the tree, there needs to be intervention by man.

Seems Brutal

If you have ever seen a tree that has been properly pruned - it looks brutal.

Stripped of its fullness. Sparse between branches. Sometimes with odd clumps at branch-ends like so many deformed, clenched fists.

Wisdom in the Ugly

But the arborist is wise. He knows which branches should stay and which should go. He has principles and rules, and over time an instinct for what is right.

In the spring, the ugly tree sends forth new shoots, then leaves, then flowers, then fruit. And wisdom is proved right again by its offspring.

Our Brutal Moments

Sometimes in our lives it seems we are the tree and life brings the pruning shears. Some things are lost that we are genuinely glad about. Sometimes something is removed that seems perfectly fine.

If the Master is doing the pruning, you can rest assured that it will all work together for good.

And the Brutal will bring Beauty.