“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.” (John 15:1-2)
Thoughts for today: 1 May 2020
Within this text we find a deep secret. Christ is the true vine, and those that have repented and have a living relationship with Christ are the branches. There are many ‘vines’ in this world. But none other than the True Vine can give us life. Christ provides all that is needed for our spiritual growth. Our biggest work as a branch is to rest in this True Vine. From Him we draw our sap and nourishment. Everything needed to produce good fruit is found in Him. As we draw close to Him, so life flows through the child of God and fruit starts to form. However, the moment that we lose our contact with Him, then the fruit ends. What causes us to lose contact with Christ? It is a hindrance that came into our life; it can be the way that we spend our time, something we ought to have done but neglected or something we did that we should not have done. Maybe it was a harsh word that you spoke that cut off the flow of sap, and you start to wither away.
The Father as the gardener cuts off branches like that. Branches full of leaves, but yielding no fruit. When a branch is cut off, it leaves an empty space in God’s work. It is a sad thing when God cuts a branch away. He is doing it to make place for others that will abide in Him and bear fruit.
Our questions for today:
- Are you bearing good fruit for others to enjoy?
- If not, what do you think is the hindrance between you and the True Vine?
- Have you tried to draw sap from a vine other than the True Vine?
- Why don’t you speak to Christ about it? You can also phone our office to ask someone to pray with you.
