Here it is… I read it this morning during “Coffee with the Lord in my Bible. Decided to find some pics on Google to illustrate it. Have a feeling I’ll be reflecting on the significance of it in my life all day long…
Jesus said it… “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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit… Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples… You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (from John 15:1–17 ESV)
The basics… Some preliminary observations…
Jesus is the “vine” – the source of our life and fruitfulness!
To be “fruitful” in my life as a Christian I must “abide in Him!” – that’s the secret of “fruitfulness” … without Him I can do nothing!!
The Heavenly Father is the “vinedresser” – He will do whatever he needs to do in my life to make me “fruitful” (even MORE fruitful)!
The second secret of fruitfulness – responding positively to the “vinedresser” – my Heavenly father’s “pruning”
The Father is glorified when I “bear MUCH fruit”! That is why he “chose” me… that I would “bear fruit”… “MUCH fruit”!
And finally, this morning… to not “bear fruit” has sad consequnces (verse 6)! To “abide in the vine” and “bear fruit” has wonderful results (verse 7 and 16)!
A wonderful, rich analogy!! Yes, I’m going to be reflecting on it all day!
Coffee With The Lord 