HIS PRECIOUS FRUIT
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” John 15:1-3, ESV
Theme: The Lord sanctifies us continually throughout our lives so that we continue to bear more fruit.
HIS GARDEN
I just love the way Jesus paints this metaphoric picture as a means of sharing the perfect truth. Throughout His parables, verbal illustrations help the Holy Spirit within us distinguish between literal truth and a parable. We get it… sometimes not initially, but deep inside our Christian hearts, we get there as we continue to bear fruit. It may take a few times to dissect each critical word. Analogies make us stretch our minds to understand the rich truth of our faith, as our Lord sanctifies.
In today’s Scripture, Jesus gives us another “I am” metaphor. “I am the true vine”, Jesus tells us. True, as opposed to imposters who preach opinions over truth. His Father tends the entire vineyard. We exemplify the fruit of the Spirit. Abiding in Christ, we become even more fruitful.
THE GOOD FRUIT
For those of us who have gardens, we understand the need to prune back the old, or bad, branches to make a more productive and fruitful plant. Christ thus prunes us to cleanse our souls and gives us a more fruitful life. To gain growth, Christ prunes out our selfishness, anger, insecurities, jealousies, doubts, anger and all those things that get in the way of following Him. In return, Galatians 5:22-23 says we can produce the good fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. With these attributes, we show we are rooted in Christ. Both the vine and fruit are rooted in God’s vineyard.
Make it Personal: What are the things in your life that need cut out/pruned? For the glory of God, how can we become more fruitful? Our relationship with our Christ is the source of healthy fruitfulness. Let us stay attached to His vine in every moment of our lives.
Pray: Lord, through Your true vine, as bearers of your most precious fruit, please lift us up to bring our goodness to feed the world. Thank you for Your most precious bounty, which is a healthy and strong relationship with the joy and truth of Christian servitude. Help us to remain deeply rooted in Your sacrificed Son, and walking with our Savior and Spiritual branch, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Read: Colossians 2:6-7, Psalm 145:14, John 15:6, Jeremiah 2:21
Weekly Memory Verse: “Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” Leviticus 20:8, ESV