Abide in the True Vine

The Call of God’s Mission

Abide in the True Vine

John 15:1-2 (ESV)

"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."


Starting Prayer  

Dear Lord, as I delve into John 15:1-2, grant me insight into the significance of abiding in You as the true vine. May I understand the purpose of bearing fruit and the pruning process in Your mission. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Background

In John 15, Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and branches to illustrate the vital connection believers have with Him. He emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him, the true vine, for spiritual fruitfulness. The Father, depicted as the vinedresser, ensures the fruitful growth of those connected to Christ.


Be Encouraged  

Imagine tending to a garden where each plant requires specific care. In a similar way, God, as the vinedresser, tends to us, the branches connected to Jesus. The pruning process may involve challenges and discomfort, but it is essential for bearing more fruit.


Consider Galatians 5:22-23:  

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law."


Reflect on Ephesians 2:10:  

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."


Think of a time when facing challenges resulted in personal growth. Similarly, the pruning process in our lives, though uncomfortable, leads to greater spiritual fruitfulness in God's mission.


Today's title, "Abide in the True Vine," underscores the necessity of staying connected to Christ for fruitful living in God's mission.


Invite your friends and loved one to accept Christ through faith, repentance and baptism, in order to be a branch of the True Vine and be fruitful. This way, they embrace the call to abide in Him for a purposeful and fruitful mission.


Concluding Prayer

Lord, I am grateful for the analogy of the true vine. Help me abide in You, recognizing the purpose of pruning for greater fruitfulness. In Jesus' name, I express my gratitude. Amen.


Please share your thought in the comments below.

Warm regards,

Theodore J. Quist

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