Word to the Wise
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 - 5th Week of Easter - Wed
[Acts 15:1-6 and John 15:1-8]"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing." [John]
Friends of mine who live outside of West Texas are quite surprised when I tell them that I live near a major wine producing region. Viticulture is taught at Texas Tech and Terry County, just south of Lubbock is the "Napa Valley" of Texas. So, the image of the vine and branches to describe the relationship between Him, the Father and the believer is constantly near me. The important word that appears again and again is "remain." In English, we tend to think that word means "left behind" but the Greek verb "menein" in the Gospel According to John describes a relationship, a kind of continual presence.
Our own experience of close relationships can confirm this to us. We carry our closest friends with us. They are present in us even when they live far away. Mutual fidelity to the relationship sustains us in good times and in bad. If we believe in Jesus, that relationship will enable us to bear good fruit. He will always be faithful. Are we? The words, "....without me you can do nothing.." can be a reminder to "remain" in Him and one another. AMEN