‘I am the vine, you are the branches’ — Jesus

The month of May is here and it is so wonderful to drive around and see farmers out on their fields planting their seeds and people getting more and more out of their homes, enjoying the fun activities that come with this season.

Pretty soon, our family will be out in our back yard in our little vegetable garden tilling the ground and planting some tomato and pepper plants.

Moving here from the desert of Arizona a little over ten years ago, and now being able to do this here in Minnesota for the last few years, feels very special. The image of plants and gardening reminds me of another image and passage mentioned in the Word of God — that of Christ being the vine and we, his followers being the branches “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.

Here are a couple of personal lessons I’ve learned through the years from this page, which I would like to share with you:

I). Just as a branch is dependent upon the vine, so are we upon Jesus. The place of a branch is the place of absolute dependence. Jesus said “without Me you can do nothing.” We learn from here that we can only bear fruit as we abide in the Vine. That means that we can’t accomplish anything worthy and valuable in God’s eyes without the help of the Holy Spirit. We need Jesus for everything. The only concern and responsibility of that branch is to stay abiding in the vine.

What is necessary for that to happen? — Surrender from the part of the branch. The branch does not have any side issues. It exists for the vine. This reminds me of Apostle Paul’s words: “… you are not your own, For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20

II. Fruit-bearing is a great blessing that results from remaining in Jesus. I remember when I was a kid, our next-door neighbor in Romania had a vine and his grapes were some of the best grapes I’ve ever tasted. They were huge and sweet and juicy. Our neighbor took great pride in his grapes. His family would at times invite us over to his house and let us pick grapes for ourselves. He talked about his grapes all the time. They brough joy and pride to him as a great vine keeper. Spiritually speaking, the Fruit of the Spirit in the lives of Christians glorifies God and brings Him great pride and joy. It also identifies individuals as disciples of Christ. Jesus says that God the Father is glorified when His children bear much fruit.

My friends, with Jesus and in Jesus, we have the opportunity to produce much good fruit that lasts forever. And it all starts by letting Christ take control of our lives and daily abiding in Him.

I love the words of this poem and I hope they will also be a blessing to you:

From abiding in Christ comes a peace so serene

It can all of my worries erase

On the comforting arm of my Lord I will lean

In my weakness He giveth more grace.

In communion with Christ I’ll eternally sing

To my Lord who for me gave His Son.

And with thankfulness cling to my Savior and King

Praise the Lord! It is finished and done!

(Poem by Micah Betzner)

Happy spring and happy abiding everyone!

Love in Christ,

Photo: Pastor  John Todor First Baptist Church Kasson