“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
-John 15:1-8 NKJV
Recently we came upon this portion of scripture in the 30 day My New Life Scripture Writing Plan. That caused me to remember an old post I’d written. So I took it out and dusted it off because I think we might need a reminder today. Or maybe just I do 🙂
So much in this portion of scripture to study and apply to our lives!
Jesus is speaking to us as much today as He was when He said those words to the disciples.
If, and only if, we are truly abiding in the Vine will there be fruit. Notice we do not make the fruit but we are bearing the fruit. As branches, we are displaying or holding the fruit. Picture anything that has the purpose of displaying something else. When you look at a vine full of fruit you will notice the fruit, not the branch that is holding the fruit.
Keeping this in mind should help us be quick to give all glory to God.
Let’s live each day seeking to bring attention to Jesus, not ourselves!
Are you interested in studying more about vines, branches and fruit? I suggest you get a copy of Beth Moore’s book Chasing Vines. I happened to read it just as the Pandemic started and it was so very timely. The book has a major focus on how we are to thrive even though the circumstances are difficult, details about pruning, and so much more. I did not read it for review but am suggesting it because it’s a good choice for delving deeper into the subject.
Jesus is the One and Only Vine
May we be found abiding in Him!
