“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:4-5
I recently read through The One Year Bible and found these verses in John; they are perhaps among my favorites. These words come from our Savior Jesus. They remind me, quite simply, that “fruit” produced in our lives comes through abiding and resting in Him.
I appreciate Jesus’s word description for us; He compares our fruitful lives to a fruitful tree. How easy He makes this concept for us. Have you ever seen a branch “work” to remain on a vine? Ever notice a branch wrestle, writhe, and labor? Of course not! The branch simply derives nutrients, life, and purpose from remaining in the vine. As it does, the branch produces fruit.
This is the same for you and me as Christians. We are not to labor or spin. Instead, we must simply abide, remain, or rest in Christ. Additionally, as we do, our lives become eternally fruitful for the Lord.
It’s So Easy To Struggle
Maybe you are like me, and you struggle with rest. Somehow, even on a restful day, I find ways to labor, worry, or work. Settling down does not come easily for me.
Over the years, however, I have realized that resting, or “remaining” in Jesus, is simply to know Him. Each day I specifically ask myself these questions: “Have you pursued the Lord today through knowing Him in His Word?” and “Have you pursued the Lord today in prayer?”
Drawing my “nutrients” from the Lord means connecting to Him. As I connect, He somehow turns everyday events into “fruitful” kingdom experiences. Perhaps a smile to your neighbor becomes an opportunity to invite them to church. Talking with an old friend becomes a platform to discuss what Jesus is doing in your life. Also, a frightened child becomes an opportunity to pray and ask Jesus for comfort.
The Lord unquestionably produces fruit in our lives as we know and remain in Him.
Christian, have you found yourself disconnected from the Vine? If so, come back to Him in prayer and through the reading of His Word. You’ll soon discover holy life pumping through your spiritual veins. Jesus is always the source of our fruitfulness. Even more, He is the source of life.
This week, let’s drink deeply from the Vine.
Remaining with you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor