I enjoyed reading the familiar passage in John chapter 15 this morning about the vine and the branches. It is such a clear picture of the seamless relationship we are to have with Jesus and our Father in Heaven. Vine, branch and fruit are vitally connected and really picture "oneness" for us. But this morning I was challenged to look closer at just how I can be the kind of branch that Jesus is describing. Several words seem key: abide, words, commands, obey, friends, love. Jesus seems to teach that the branch will remain or abide in Him when we are nourished by His words, like a plant is fed from the soil and from the sun. Unlike the plant, however, we have a choice about whether to accept the benefits of that good food. If we obey we will be healthy branches that can bear fruit. It's interesting that almighty God has given us the ability to choose whether we will (or won't) obey His commands. This is more than the rest of His creation can do. The sun must rise, the ocean must stop where He holds His hand, the birds must migrate, the seasons must change, but man can decide whether to obey almighty God! But the most interesting aspect to me is the connection between obedience, love, and friendship that Jesus teaches.
12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
Our relationship with Jesus is built on love and friendship. We show our friendship with Jesus by doing what He wants rather than doing what we want for ourselves. And the thing He wants is for us to put others' interests ahead of our own. It seems that putting others first is a key way of putting Jesus first. This reflects our friendship with Jesus and helps us remain close to Him. The fruit of love is also the nourishment needed by the vine to grow!
blessings,
Rob Smith
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