The Vine and The Branches
God designed us to be connected to Him at all times.
“For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of sabbath rest to the Lord...From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord"
Exodus 35:2, 5, 29
There is a connected mindset that we can develop when we learn to see all that we have as a gift from God. The breath in our lungs, our time on this planet, the resources we have, our strengths and gifts. All of these are from God. What does He teach us about how we stay connected?
A connected heart demonstrates trust by giving back. Moses taught the people to give a day back out of the work week. He is careful to say that only the willing hearts should give an offering. There is no loving connection if giving is forced. Love flows freely from a heart of gratitude. What would you like to give back to God today?
“God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”
Psalms 82:1
God gives us eyes to see clearly where it is best for us to connect our lives. If you find your strength coming from your connection to the gods of worldly culture you will find yourself lacking. There is one true God and only the Creator who made you can give you what you need. Are there any other gods in your life that are distracting you from Jesus?
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9
Wisdom says that we are all connected. When one of us is hurting, we are all hurting. When one of us needs justice, we all need justice. The connected life to God always opens our eyes to how intricately connected our lives are to those around us. We are not living where we are by accident. God has us where we are to be His hands and feet to those who need help. Who could you help today? Pause, close your eyes, and ask the Lord to put some in your mind.
“See how all of you are following the stubbornness of your evil hearts instead of obeying me...I will teach them— this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord.”
Jeremiah 16:12, 19-21
The Lord God does not stop when we are stubborn. He steps up. He shows the salvation and strength He offers is not conditioned on our perfection. Rather He shows His power through His perfect love because of who He is.
Our natural reaction when we know we have been stubborn or sinned to hide or run. God invites us to turn to Him and find healing. What will you find when you turn to Jesus? Open arms and the power to overcome.
“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 remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
John 15:5, 7, 10-12, 16
This passage could be a hundred sermons for the depth of truth and love that is demonstrated through Jesus words to us. Jesus is the vine. Declare this truth out loud. Jesus, you the vine and I am the branch. All the strength, all the life, all my hope is found in you. Do you feel connected or disconnected to Him? We were made to be connected to the vine.
Jesus wants to provide you with all that you need to produce fruit. Fruit that will feed others. What fruit are you producing? What you are producing tells a lot about your connection to the vine. The branches are meant to grow and always be connected to the source of life. If a branch breaks off, it dies. However, if a branch is pruned, it produces greater fruit. The stronger the connection, the more abundant the harvest of fruit you will see.
What is His command? Remain in me and allow the truth of my words, the words of Life, to remain in your heart, mind, and soul. Jesus invites us to Sabbath and spend time with Him so that He can feed our mind, body, and soul. How often are we quick to move on in our day rather than dwelling with Jesus and being fed? Do you find you are running on empty? Draw closer to the vine and let His power flow to and through you. Seek Him first and you will find that your life will flourish the more you remain connected to Jesus Christ.