I can’t count the number of times when the electricity has gone off and I’ve walked into a room, flipped the switch forgetting that the power source is not connected. When you saw this drawing you might have thought “he forgot to put a Bible verse on it”. Do you know the missing verse? Those three words contain a powerful message to stay connected to God:
“Remain in Me...” John 15:4
Jesus talked with his friends about a vine, the branches and the fruit (v.5) - symbolism from their agrarian society that also applies to us.
Jesus is the vine. He is the power source that provides direction and the source that life ultimately flows through (John 14:6). Take a few moments and recall, or better yet, write down a list of some blessings you enjoy. Now, ask yourself where did the blessing come from? I believe every material or experiential blessing can be traced back and connected to God’s grace and provision.
We are the branches. Jesus wants us to stay connected to Him so we can flourish. If a branch is removed from the vine it is useless and won’t provide any fruit. In other words, it doesn’t live-out the purpose it was created for. I know if I don’t make it a priority to pray or read a Bible story daily, the cares of the world can distract and remove me from The Source.
The fruit is what each of us can produce. What type of fruit? Maybe it’s a unique skill for your job which ultimately provides for and blesses your family. Perhaps your fruit is the gift of encouragement to write a note to someone who blessed you along your journey. Or, it’s a harvest of hospitality as you prepare a meal and visit with a neighbor recovering from surgery. Ultimately our goal as followers of Jesus Christ is to bear fruit for the Kingdom by sharing the love and promises of Jesus with others.
I imagine Jesus encountering some of the workers from the wedding where he turned water into wine (John 2). “Hey, there’s the man who did the miracle thing,” one of them revealed to others as Jesus walked by their vineyard. With heavenly humility Jesus would have stopped, pointed to the cluster of plump grapes and used the recognition to confirm that unless they remain attached to Him and His promises, there is no harvest to enjoy.
I pray that you will remain in Jesus every day and influence others to follow Him.
Share GOD’s promise with the other devotions, or a gift item from FOLLOWMEART.com