TODAY'S READING Genesis 18:1-15
TOPIC: ABIDE IN JESUS 1
TEXT: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abides not in me,... John 15:5-7
Never has it be heard that a branch plucked out of a tree brings forth fruit on its own. It is not possible because it draws it source of nutrient from the tree rooted to the soil. This was the illustration Jesus gave to his disciples in the choice text. According to Oxford dictionary, Abide simply means to stay or live in a place. Abide in Jesus surely means to stay or live in Jesus.
Why "Stay and live" and "not stay or live"? These two phrases are of different meaning. "stay or live" is an optional phrase in the sense that you can stay and not be living. Have you not notice that some branch in a tree are just attached to the tree yet they are not fruitful.
While some that becomes fruitful don't remain attached to the tree because it could not withstand the pressure from stones thrown at it by those who want its fruit. However, there are branches that are firmly connected to the tree, bear good fruits, and are able to overcome pressure of stones and even the weight of someone standing on them. This phenomenon is applicable in Christianity; there are many professing Christianity in the church today but the fruit of true believer is absent in their life. The church is the body of Jesus Christ and His will that everyone who identify with His body should not just stay and be a spectator, but be participator of fruitfulness.
PRAYER
Whatever is targeted at shifting me from abiding in the vine, be destroyed by fire...
Whatever is targeted at shifting me from abiding in the vine, be destroyed by fire...
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