John 15
Jesus is heading to the cross. He’s spending some final times and thoughts with His disciples. This is a beautiful picture of our relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Jesus said in verse 1 that he is the True Vine! He’s the real deal. There’s no one like Him.
John 15:5-8 (NIV)
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Lessons from the Vine
Life is in the vine. There’s no shortage of life being in the vine. Hardships do not stop the flow. Everything we need is in the vine. There’s plenty of power and strength in the vine.
Branches can’t bear fruit apart from the vine. Apart from Jesus it is dry, brittle and lifeless. You can’t be a Christian without being connected to Christ. It’s like trying to ride a bike without a bike.
Abiding is the powerful intimate relationship we can have. The word Abide is so powerful. It’s the word He’s using of how close His disciples (that’s us) is going to be. It’s for intimacy. It means “to stay put, remain, continue where you’re at.” He’s saying stay put. Don’t go anywhere. My Holy Spirit is coming.
The natural outcome is prayer. Prayer is a natural relationship with the vine and the branches. Prayer is the power button that keeps us abiding and remaining in Him.
So for 21 days, I’m staying in this. I am not going anyplace. 21 Days of prayer is the atmosphere of staying in it - connected to the vine.
No matter what you are believing in God for, you remain .. you stay in it.
