MIDWEEK MEDITATION

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

John 15:1-4

Jesus is the true vine. He is the fulfilment of God’s plan to make Himself known in this world. When people looked at Jesus, at His character, at His heart, they couldn’t help but see the character and heart of God. Everything He did, He did it to reveal who God was. He had called and led His disciples through thick and thin, but now that perfect example is about to leave. How will that work of building God’s kingdom continue when He is gone?

John states that it would continue through His disciples, which isn’t a very reassuring thought. After all, Jesus’ disciples rarely showed the character and leadership qualities to continue His work of redemption. And yet, Jesus chose (and chooses!) people to do just that, to bear fruit by His grace and in His name. 

You have been called to make God’s name known. You are like a vine connected to the branch which is Jesus Christ. As the life of Jesus is apparent in and through your life, you will produce fruit that will last into eternity.

Simply put, you cannot produce the fruit of the vine without being connected to the vine. Is the life of Jesus working through you? 

Father in heaven, you have called me to continue Christ’s work of building your kingdom. May your life flow through me this week and use our worship to create fruit that last for all eternity.