Connected to the Source

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

26 May 2009 06:05 PM

Are you unconnected to the source of life? Jesus reminds us in the parable of the vine that God's aim for our lives is that we bear fruit. The only way this can happen is if we are connected to the main part of the vine.

Left to run wild though, it will not bear fruit properly either. The vine needs to be pruned so it will bear more fruit, verse 2. Although we are made clean by the Word and by believing in Jesus that is not enough for us to have a fruitful productive Christian life, verse 3. We need to abide in Him and we need to stay connected to the source of life- Jesus, verse 4.

When we are connected to Him, our lives will bear much fruit. We can't achieve this on our own and the sooner we realize that the better, verse 5.We are Jesus says 'useless' when not connected to Him, verse 6. Notice the contrast though, if we abide in Him. Then our prayers are answered and our lives have the power of Jesus, verse 7. This brings glory and honor to God as we bear fruit and prove to the world the reality of our experience as a disciple or follower of Jesus, verse 8.

Jesus urges us to remain in His love, verse 9. We do this by keeping His commandments, just as Jesus proved His love for the Father by keeping His commands, verse 10.

Keeping His commands and love are irrevocably tied together for Jesus commands us to love one another, verse 12. Jesus proves His love for us by laying down His life for us, verse 13.Like the disciples we have been chosen by Him and we are chosen to bear fruit and have our prayers answered, verse 16. This isn't going to make us popular with everyone. The world will hate us as it hated Jesus, verse 18 because we are different and have different values and ideals. Or we should have. If we don't, then there is something wrong. Maybe we are not closely enough connected to the vine.

Jesus reminds his disciples and us that we have a Helper to help us witness for Him, verses 26-27. What a blessing that is!

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Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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