Read John 15 Life in Christ

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 NKJV)

After Jesus has assured them of His peace and the oneness of His relationship with the Father; He turns on to speak of Israel connection with Him. The disciples were so accustomed to thinking of Israel as the vine. Jesus uses this parable of the vine and branch to illustrate our life is linked with Him.

The source and the supply of all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) and nourishment. Its abundance from salvation to sanctification. We are the branches. One purpose of branch only to bring fruit, to extend and multiply. This glorifies the vinedresser, our heavenly Father.

The surrender comes through abiding. It speaks of a living and progressive relationship in oneness. It is Christ in us and we in Him. It is being in a house; we stay within Him as our Dwelling. Being in Christ, It is not done mechanically. It is not methodology. It is not one of struggles. This union is not external. It indicates an aspect of choice on our part. We abide in Him through His word and love God, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (:7) His words are life and spirit when we encounter Him through His spoken word (John.6:63) We abide in His love, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. (:9). Its the love that keeps us abiding and vice versa. The evidence is shown through our obedience that is compelled by the love of God. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Fathers commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:10)

The success. Fruit bearing is inevitable with abiding. The quality and quantity of the fruit may differ. As we focus in abiding in Christ, we will be fruitful, experience the fullness of joy in answered prayers. Prayer is expressing the mind of Christ through dwelling in Him with what the Word said of Him. (John 15:7,11,16), and the Father is glorified (John 15:7, 8).

Prayer: Lord, You have grafted me to be Your branch. You are the Vine that I receive my life, and nurture. May I stay abiding with You as I bear fruit that glorify Your name.

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