John 15:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 15"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. Verse 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. Verse 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Verse 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. Verse 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Verse 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Verse 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Verse 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Devotion
We are not asked "to abide in" our parents, our children, our friends or our work. Only Jesus says, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, that for which you wish will be done for you." Because he is the true vine, Jesus relies on his Gardner Father. Apart from Him, he can do nothing. Likewise, we followers of Jesus can do nothing apart from Jesus.
How does one abide? One "abides" in Jesus when one's continual and overwhelming thankfulness for Christ is the basis for one's every thought, every word and every deed. Rewards are rich: prayers are answered, the Father is glorified and true branches producing true fruit become obvious. Abiding produces obedience; love and peace prevail.
Jesus' words are more than powerful. They are life itself. Jesus invites us, no, insists, that we "abide in" him and in his words.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, we thank you that our abiding in you depends on you. Amen.