John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
A vine requires a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to produce healthy fruit. Lack of sunlight and not enough water can adversely affect the fruit of the vine. This metaphorical illustration reminds us to stay connected to Jesus, the True Vine. Our close connection with the risen Lord will morph our character to reflect Him in our words, responses and deeds.
Peter and John were imprisoned for healing a lame man who was sitting at the entrance of the temple. The next day, when they were questioned, the Sanhedrin was in full attendance. However, the boldness, the confidence and the words of wisdom that came from Peter made them conclude that these illiterate fishermen had been with Jesus, the True Vine, as they exhibited the characteristics of Jesus. When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). When we remain in the True Vine Jesus, His words will drip from our month. We will only speak faith and not declare fear, and be courageous and not cower in a storm.
Stay connected to the vine by meditating, munching and mulling over the Word of God – day and night.
Jesus is the True Vine:
- Slurp: Our mind must be filled with the Word and mouth must chew the cud, then the world will hear JESUS when we speak.
- Soak: Soaking in the Word is like basking under the sun. The sunlight of His anointing is absolutely essential for us to be fruitful.
- Succulent: The secret to bear succulent fruit is by reading, ruminating and regurgitating God’s Word. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7). When we intentionally get into God’s Word, God’s Word will get into us. So, when we are stressed and squeezed, we will only ooze out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“Remain connected to the True Vine!”
Prayer: Jesus My Lord, May the world only taste your goodness through my words and deeds. Amen
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