Abiding in the Vine

In John 15:5, Jesus describes to us that He is the vine and we are the branches. Unless we abide in Him, we cannot bear fruit. The Christian life is marked by fruitfulness. Throughout Jesus’ teaching, fruitfulness is a common image. The sower goes out to sow seed (e.g.: Matthew 15:1-9) and the plant that is commended is one that bears fruit a hundred, sixty or thirtyfold. A mustard seed falls into the ground and give rise to the largest of trees that birds find a home in (e.g.: Mark 4:30-32).

In my own life I have found that I need help to abide in the vine so that I can bear fruit. Sometimes this help is that of good Christian community. The more I fellowship with other godly brothers and sisters, hear about their walk with the Lord and share in their prayers, I find that it is easier to abide in Christ. When I read good Christian books that explain the depths of Scripture and the Christian life, they too give my thoughts and desires much to feed on, pushing out the distractions, worries and anxieties of this present life, so that I can focus on a fruitfully abiding in Christ. Our sacramental worship and liturgy, hymnody and anthems have also proven helpful in abiding in Christ Jesus.

But most importantly, what I have found helpful is knowing that Jesus is actively helping me abide in Him. He hasn’t commanded us to abide in Him while He stands afar, arms crossed, watching us struggle with our daily responsibilities and duties, trials and temptations. Rather, He has already opened up His arms upon the cross for us. Through His death and resurrection, He has thrown wide open the storehouses of heaven and poured out upon us grace upon grace, His Holy Spirit. Even though I may go through my day often forgetting my loyalty towards Him and the love I ought to show to those around me, Jesus is just an “I’m sorry” away. And knowing that His Spirit is in me has helped this branch abide in the Vine.

A Prayer

Lord Jesus, You have commanded me to abide in You and that, apart from You, I can bear no fruit. Thank You for pouring out Your Holy Spirit upon me, so that I can hold fast to You, the Vine of heaven, and bear the fruit of holiness in this life and, in the life to come, attain the fruit of everlasting life. Amen.