DO YOU PLAY WORDLE?
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5, ESV
I like to play Wordle, the New York Times word game. There is a new puzzle each day. Players have six tries to get the five-letter word of the day. Each day that I am successful, I do a post on Facebook for an audience of other players I know. Eileen Phillips, here at St. John’s, also plays, as do two friends from Alexandria, VA where we used to live. I have played for over a year, getting the correct answer 93% of the time. My longest winning streak was 56 days. On March 19, 2024, the winning Wordle was “abide” and I got it on the third try!
Abide is used ten times in the first ten verses of John 15. The dictionary definitions of the word abide include acceptance or action in accordance with a rule, decision or recommendation; to dwell or remain; to be present. The Enduring Word Commentary says that the Gospel of John is referring to Jesus’ emphasis on a mutual relationship between Him and his believers. Jesus chooses to abide in us, and we have the choice to abide in Him, in return.
Jay Stocker, author of the online Scripture Lullabies, wrote an article called “Three Promises for Abiding in Christ” on January 12, 2023. First, abiding in Christ, provides rest and peace. Second, Christ cultivates us for growth. Any of you who are gardeners know that to get fruit from any fruit bearing plant, one must cultivate it. Rich soil, fertilizer, pest control, watering, and pruning are all a part of cultivation. It can be a lot of work! So, too, does Jesus cultivate our faith when we abide in Him. Finally, if we let the words of Jesus dwell in us, the Holy Spirit will produce good and lasting fruit. In Galatians 5:22, Paul says that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Lord, we want you to abide in us. Help us to cultivate our faith when we dwell on your word. Then, show us the way to spread the fruits of that abiding to others. Amen.
Carol Rice
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