“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
I’m writing from home, overlooking the garden. It’s a scaled-down thing this year—so much is pulling at time and shuffling priorities in this season.
I’m reflecting on a passage from John 15; the Lord gives an earthly picture of spiritual truths. Most of what He speaks, I have seen illustrated in this garden.
When a branch is removed, it goes on the burn pile. I’ve not seen much root itself, once cut off and tossed. “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” (:6)
If I want a good harvest, I need to trim back healthy plants. Showy foliage is worthless for filling my table. “…every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” (:2b)
The branch separated from the parent-root is not destined for survival. Cut a strawberry runner too soon, and watch the inevitable result. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” (:4)
There is joy in seeing mature plants produce a crop; to observe their responsiveness to your direct, purposeful care. It’s also uplifting to hear that your work is good. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” (:8)
May we all reflect over these words of our Lord, confirming His truth in His garden, where we abide under His loving care.
Cornerstone Community Church 