Reading
SAA Notes
Israel is referred to as God’s vine in the Old Testament – eg Psalm 80:8-16, Jeremiah 2:21 and Ezekiel 17. Jesus is the true Israel of God. Israel the nation came from Israel the man. Just so, we come from this man the True Vine. This is a passage rich in teaching! Find something for your soul today!
SJA Notes
* Dear Lord God, You are King, we are Your people. Please write Your word upon our hearts today.
“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.”
Jesus is the vine. The TRUE vine. There is no other.
This and the passage today is a clear word from Him, full of encouragement, exhortation and warning.
We must abide in Jesus. No ifs or buts.
We must seek to live in Him, He in us (and remember yesterday’s passage, the Holy Spirit gifted to us, abiding in us) – Striving to worship and honor God in every aspect of our lives, walking obediently under His will.
Because what else does it mean to abide in Christ?
To make Him our home, our heart, our rest and our comfort. Our steady calm, the peace that passes understanding; come waves or thunder, come travesty and turmoil.
To take comfort in His love when the weight of this world presses down. To rest in His love as it encompasses us, revives us, compels us. To reflect and be His love to those around us, bringing glory to God.
Jesus is the TRUE vine.
We are the branches. Abide in Him.
* Gracious God,
Thank You for Your love for us – Please help us abide in it.
Thank You for Jesus, the true vine – Help us to bear much fruit as we abide in Him.
Thank You for Your word, Your laws, Your commandments – They are so very good for us, thank You!
Amen.