******************************************
Have you ever read a passage of scripture and thought you knew what it was saying? But after a second, or third, or tenth reading you realized it was saying something different?
When I think of John 15, I automatically think of the pruning that we need as followers of Christ in order to be fruitful in our work for God. But recently it struck me that we have some work to do in that pruning process too.
From a gardening perspective, the reason to prune is so that there is more growth. Instead of continuing to grow taller, the plant starts to grow horizontally, sending off more than one new shoot to the sides. But what is the plant's role in this?
The plant only need to remain where it is and continue soaking up nutrients from the soil and rays from the sun. Well, it's a plant, so it's not going to move, is it?
But when Jesus tells us to remain in him after being pruned, what do we do? We move.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
What does it mean to remain? To abide. To hang out. To stay put. To commit. That is what is required of us. No fancy formulas. No expressive or wordy prayers. Simply remain.
Remaining in Christ is where we find fruitfulness as Christians. We produce fruit when we remain. Committing to stay there after the pruning is the part that is required of us. Then, and only then, we will produce fruit that brings glory to our Father in heaven.
******************************************
Your turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?
3 comments:
hi Heather.. oops about Mr Linky I thought I was commenting. But I do still want to share.
one of the scriptures that spoke to me this week was 2 Corinthian 5:17 - we are new creations; the old has gone the new has come. i think because this is such a familiar verse that sometimes it becomes cliche. But this week, having gone through some personal challenges, this verse was such an encouragement. I really AM a new creation. and God is renewing me every day. Who I was before I met Christ no longer has hold over me. I am totally free from the bondage of sin! and today, i can make godly decisions because I am now new. the old has gone, the new me has come.
(PS I'm glad i found your site when you entered my contest at www.kidshealthnotes.com)
Great post! I see More of Him in my daughter and the way she sees life.
thanks for sharing this!
great post heather. that is one piece of scripture that i can come back to time after time and either feel re-energized or i see/feel something i hadn't before. it's a wonderful passage.
Post a Comment