Values Blog
In the Vine
“The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.”John 15:5
It’s been a long week spent mainly sitting on the couch with a box of tissues, a flannel blanket, a bottomless cup of hot tea, and a stinky, old poodle crowding my space. I’ve had a bad cold and an even worse attitude. In fact, as my physical condition has improved, I think my emotional state has deteriorated due to boredom, impatience, and a feeling that I’ve been left behind. Understand—I am not a patient patient. And I’ve felt disconnected from the activity that has continued on seemingly without missing me a bit. Yes, I’ve heard from sweet friends who have proclaimed well wishes and sadness in my absence—but really I’ve had to admit that the world has done just fine during my temporary withdrawal.
But I haven’t. I’ve felt detached, lonely, bored, useless, and a whole slew of other negative sentiments. And that’s the point behind Jesus’ lesson to His disciples. “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:5-6). In this analogy, it is not the vine that suffers, but the disconnected branches. They are fruitless, withering, and good for nothing but burning. Remarkably similar to my “woe is me” condition.
And I was only unplugged for a week. It’s no wonder that those who are habitually absent from the body of Christ feel dried up, uninspired, and often too weak to return. It’s just the nature of being disconnected from the vine. You wither.
Just as naturally, there is a remedy for this unhealthy condition—remain in the vine. Considering a disconnected branch’s brittle state, it is a blessing that our connection to the vine is not left solely up to us. Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). He chose us! He connected us to the vine, and He keeps us there in His love.
And, best of all, is what happens when we do remain in Him. We produce fruit—“much fruit,” fruit that “should remain,” fruit that brings God glory, proves that we are His disciples, and results in our loving others as He has loved us.
Thankfully, my forced isolation is almost over. I have left the couch and the stinky poodle behind and feel just about ready to reconnect with the world. And I can’t wait. This is one branch that knows where she belongs. Now, please, pass the Kleenex and plug me back in!
Father, thank You for slowing me down long enough to recognize my need to stay connected. Thank You for choosing and appointing me to bear much fruit. In Jesus’ name and for Your glory, I pray. Amen.
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