John 15:1-2—“I am the true vine, and my Father is the
vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch
that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.”
As Christians, we are charged to abide in Christ like the
branches of a vine and bear fruit for Him.
Through this metaphor, Jesus is trying to tell us that we cannot live without
abiding in Him just like a branch cannot survive once it has been cut off from
the vine. He is also telling us that
unfruitful Christians will weaken His Kingdom just like unfruitful branches
weaken the vine and other branches. Dead
and unfruitful branches must be removed from a vine to protect the vine and the
other branches. Branches of a vine also need
direction and pruning as they grow—left untouched, the branches of a vine will
grow unruly and tangle up like a big clump.
With a gardener’s wise touch, however, the branches can be pruned and
trained to grow in the right direction.
Through this metaphor, Jesus specifically refers to a fruit-bearing
vine, not just a flowering vine. He has
called us to a purpose, not just to be a pretty ornament for His Kingdom. Christians bear their fruit through the lives
they lead-their temperament, attitude, and love for others. A Christian’s fruit should honor God by doing
good, knowing and sharing His Word, and following Jesus’ command to love one
another.
Today as you pray and meditate on His Word, consider the
type of branch you want to be. Compare
that to the type of branch you are. Are
they the same thing? Do you bear fruit
for the Lord—are you in a period of pruning and shaping—are you at risk of
being removed entirely? Praise God for
reserving a place for you as a branch on His Vine. Pray that He would tend to you so that your
fruit will multiply and your branch will grow as He has designed. Renew your commitment to abide in Him and His
Word so that every moment of your life honors Him.
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