Because I believe Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am a branch on Christ’s vine.   In John 15:1 Jesus referred to himself as the true vine and His Father as the gardener.  Then in John 15:5 He includes our place on the growing ‘tree’ of faith.  “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”   Jesus made these statements to His closest disciples and used analogies they were familiar with to be sure that they got the point.  In the Old Testament the nation Israel was often referred to as the vine so Jesus wanted them to know He was the true vine of Israel, the Messiah.  He also wanted them to know that if they disconnect from Him they would be powerless and their lives would be fruitless.  Connected to Him they would live very productive lives that would accomplish great things for God.

The same analogy is true for us today.  We need to stay connected to Jesus and many translations use the word abide.  1 John 4:13-16 speaks of major benefits of abiding in Jesus. “¹³ By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”   Being connected to Jesus, is a privileged position.  His Spirit lives within us testifying to us that He is with us.  God dwells within us and shows us His love so we can love others in His name.  That is why being connected to Him we will be able to bear good fruit in our lives and accomplish much for His Kingdom.  Jesus is the source of our power and by faith we are connected to Him.  

Connected to Jesus today,

Linda