November 16, 2018
John 15:4-7
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “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.  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.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 
New International Version (NIV)
                Good words get lost along the way sometimes.  Words like “abide” and “abode” have fallen out of favor and into disuse.  As in, “Where is your abode,” or “where do you abide.”  We miss words like these, or at least we should.  They have more texture than “live” or “stay.”

                Among Jesus’ amazing “I am” sayings is this one, “I am the vine.”  In Isaiah 5, Israel was a vine planted by God.  Now Jesus identifies himself as the vine and his followers are the branches.  Jesus said it on his way to Gethsemane, a trial, judgement and a cross. 

                As branches abide in a vine, so Jesus’ followers abide in him.  As vines bear grapes, so disciples bear lasting fruit.  If you broke a branch off a tree it would no longer yield fruit.  So disciples apart from Jesus are powerless and ultimately lifeless. 

                Dallas Willard once observed another implication:  “If you are doing nothing, you will have to do it without Jesus.”  God’s life flows through us for the purpose of creating, giving and sustaining life.  Apart from Jesus we could do nothing.  Thankfully, we are not apart from Jesus.  He is with us.  Are we with him?  Are we abiding in him?  You have to abide in some abode.  Make yourself at home in relationship with him.  Then you will never lose your way.

 Pray with me:  
Father, we pray the words of the hymn, “Abide with me.  Fast falls the eventide.  The darkness deepens.  Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O, abide with me.”  Help us to live in vital relationship with you we pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.    
  This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story.  With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
 
Joyfully, 
 
Duane 
About Duane Archives
Subscribe to our email list.