Jesus the Real Vine

Read John 15:1-17
 
John 15:4 A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.


FRUIT is a wonderful image for our relationship with Jesus. Ripe fruit, grown with the proper nutrients and pruning is a juicy, tasty and nourishing food.
    And fruit is fragile, isn’t it? For example, oranges must grow on a particular root stock to protect the native orange tree from disease that comes from the soil Or, too much rain at the wrong time can ruin a strawberry crop. Hail can devastate fruit. And if freezing temperatures occur when fruit trees blossom, the crop is reduced and less vital.
    The vitality and bounty of “kingdom fruit” can easily be reduced or even negated completely when we attempt life “our way” uprooted from the Trove Vine. Oh, life can look good for a time, even for many years. But without God’s Word feeding our soul there will be no lasting flavor from the work we have done. (Check out the book of Ecclesiastes and read how Solomon felt about life “off the vine”.)
    Connect, then, to Jesus. The overwhelming theme of John 15 is Jesus’ great, nourishing love for the Father and for you. He longs to tend to your heart, so you develop a vibrant, productive spiritual life. Jesus is the Vine, who roots you in his love, hope and faith. Our Lord holds you firm from the storms and lifts you to absorb the sunshine of God’s blessings. When the days become cloudy, even dark and stormy, you remain assured in the confidence the Son is still with you.
    Resurrection living is staying connected with the Vine. Absorb the life he offers to you. Receive the nurturing rain of righteousness. Grow well on the Good Vine, and you will bear good fruit for his kingdom.
 
Resurrection Truth: Life with Jesus tastes good.