BRANCHES OF THE VINE
John 15: 1-10.
Here, the Lord Jesus Christ likens himself to the vine tree and his disciples to the branches. This is to illustrate the relationship expected between the Lord and us. It is a mutually inclusive relationship. The beauty and glory of any tree is found in the branches. For it is the branch that bring forth flowers and fruits without which the tree just remains a trunk. But the branch cannot bring forth leaves, flowers and fruits without the trunk. Thus, it is a mutually inter-dependent relationship.
What are the lessons in this metaphorical relationship? Firstly, it shows that the believer cannot exist without the Savior. Just like the branch, we draw nutrition and strength from the Lord. Continued survival and flourishing is a function of being connected to the Lord. As a believer, you must stay connected if you desire relevance and longevity.
Secondly, fruitfulness, beauty, and preservation are dependent on the branch remaining in the vine. If the branch is cut off, it may remain green for a few hours, or even days, but give it time, it will wither and become useless. You are a branch. Do not cut yourself off. Remain in the Lord. He will nourish you to bring forth fruits.
The third lesson is that the branch is expected to be fruitful. Without fruits, the branch is not fulfilling its purpose. Every believer is expected to bring forth fruits of righteousness; of the spirit and of the word. If you are not fruitful, it demonstrates barrenness. You shall not be barren of any good thing in Jesus name. It is your responsibility that you bring forth fruits. Or else, you are cast off and burnt. This shall not be your portion. But pause and ponder. Is my life bringing forth the desired fruit and at the right quality and quantity?
Finally, just as the beauty and glory of the vine are found in the branches, the believer’s life is expected to reflect and radiate the glory and beauty of the Lord. Is your life glorifying the Lord? How much of the Lord can people around you see? What impact do you have in your environment? Can people see the beauty of the Lord in your life? Do you know that the branch is one with the vine? You must live your life in oneness with the Lord. People cannot see the Lord today. But they can see you. And they must see Jesus in you. He is the vine and the branch. Go and manifest.
MEDITATION: Without Him, I am nothing.
