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
My last call was to a congregation that had been in conflict for many years. My challenge was to recover the congregation's mission, a purpose that was greater than personal tastes or preferences.
That year, the annual meeting was packed with the hope that things could be different. I suggested focusing on our purpose and writing a mission statement that could rally us above pettiness. I gave an example: "Every person will know Jesus."
A man named Virgil interrupted my presentation by saying that he wanted the floor. Everyone tensed up, remembering the shouting matches from the previous year. "I know that this is not according to Roberts Rules of Order, but I would like to move that we adopt Pastor's suggestion as our mission statement."
A new spirit was born that night. We had a clear sense of our mission that has guided the congregation ever since.
This what Jesus was doing for his followers. The disciples had been arguing about what the kingdom would look like and what their part would be. Jesus then gave them a mission statement that would guide his followers to this day. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, unite us and energize us to live as your disciples. Amen.