Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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I am the true vine
John 15:1-12

"I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing." - John. 15:5

When Jesus says this to his listeners he is talking about a relationship: A Relationship that lasts: Relationship between the Vine-dresser(God), Vine(Jesus), Branches(Followers) This is a relationship of harmony, a relationship of give & take, a relationship which is based on cooperation between vinedresser - vine - branches. Every good relationship should have these aspects harmony, give and take and an unbroken union.

The vinedresser plants the vine, takes good care of it throughout the season, provides it with good soil, right amount of water and even prunes the dead parts of the vine. On the other hand the stem of the vine, absorbs from the soil the nutrients and water it needs and supplies it to the branches which in turn grow healthier and yield large bunches of grapes to the vinedresser. The owner is responsible for the good care that the vine needs to grow but the vine has the responsibility of a good production. And that shows the healthy relationship between the vine and the vine dresser.

Again in verse 16, when Jesus says "you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you...", he is taking about fruit bearing.  A Fruit-bearing that lasts; The fruit that Jesus is talking about is -love, 'love one another as I loved you'. This is the same fruit of the 'Spirit' that Apostle Paul talks about in Galatians 5:22. God's love was revealed to us through his Son Jesus Christ. Let's reciprocate this love by obeying His command by loving one another.
Prayer: Lord teach us to obey your greatest command, 'love one another as I loved you', so that we may remain in your love and be dear and near to you. - Amen.
Thought for the day: “Abide in me and I in you”
Rev. Sam Mathew, MTC, Carrolton Dallas. 


Theme of the week: Fruit of the Spirit

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