Part 3 (John 15:1-15)
“I am the vine, you are the branches.” What a
comforting analogy. I am connected. I am alive.
Even so, it is more than a
little frightening to know that you can CHOOSE to depart from the true vine and
therefore end up destroying yourself. Is
it hard to stay, or easy to go? How will
you know whether you are really connected?
Read the story here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2015&version=NIV
Listen to the story here: http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/niv/John.15
Now comes one of the most
powerful parts of Jesus’ comparison to the vine:
By fruit every gardener knows
that the plant has reproduced itself, as Genesis1:12 says: “…trees bearing
fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.” The test of “fruit” means: Does the follower
of Christ reproduce that which he has become through Christ -- a new believer?
Furthermore, the simple way of remaining connected is
this: “OBEY my commands.” Having a free will gives us the ability to
choose continued connection with Him, and the way of choosing to connect is
choosing to obey.
Choosing to remain in LOVE
simply by acts of obedience would be a no-brainer except for two unfortunate
things:
One, our stubborn, fallen will
responds : “I hate to obey!”
And two, our mind complicates
things by asking: “Obey what?”
No problem. Jesus simply states:
How simple. Even a child
could understand it. And who would want
to do anything else?
So how did his
followers/servants get promoted to “friend” status? ---Because He has just let them in on THE
inside secret---the key to living, if you will.
My entire plan for your future life on earth is that you remain in
my love by loving each other as I have loved you. You will end up fruitful and joyful, and my
Father will be glorified.
Jesus “friended” me
first. And I am choosing to remain his
friend.
How about you?
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