Saturday, December 25
Much fruit, more fruit, fruit that will last
Scripture: Zechariah 5-6, Psalm 149, John 15
John 15:1–8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Observation
Jesus used the beautiful metaphor of a vine and branches—most likely thinking of a grapevine in a vineyard which was common in Israel. The purpose of a grapevine is to produce grapes. A branch that bears no fruit is cut off and thrown away. A branch that bears fruit is pruned to bear even more. And each branch must remain in the vine in order to bear fruit.
Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. We must remain in Jesus—stay connected, attached, in close life-giving relationship. If we do, we’ll bear much fruit. And if we let Him prune us, cleanse us, we’ll bear even more!
Application
I’ve always wanted my life to count—to bear fruit that lasts (v. 16). Being useful and productive is very important to me. It’s one reason why I can’t imagine retiring. I need to be productive; I want to bear fruit—much fruit, more fruit, fruit that will last.
The key to bearing fruit is to remain in vital relationship with Jesus. If I stay connected to the vine, I will bear fruit—much fruit (v. 5, 8). It’s automatic! We can’t bear fruit on our own. It’s not a matter of trying harder, but trusting more. It’s not my effort, but His life in me that produces fruit. So first, stay close to Jesus.
The key to bearing more fruit is to let God prune me (v. 2). Jesus indicated that He did this with His disciples by the words He spoke to them (v. 3). So I want to let God speak to me, correct me, teach me, rebuke me, cleanse me and shape me. Letting Him cut away my dead wood and suckers will direct more life into the productive parts of me resulting in more fruit.
Being fruitful is the result of a loving relationship with Jesus, listening and doing what He says.
Prayer: Lord, I want my life to count for You—I want to bear much fruit, more fruit, fruit that will last. Help me stay close, stay connected, and be attentive to Your voice.