Abide In The Vine

1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. (John 15:1-4)

Vines are like skinny, flexible trees - they root deeply and aim for the sun. Vines will climb any sturdy form in pursuit of the light, or become a seemingly impenetrable ground cover. Healthy vines produce branches that sprout glossy leaves and/or colorful flowers.

Jesus described himself as a vine, deeply rooted in God, producing branches of followers who - due to their connection with the vine - would sprout fruit. That fruit is evidence of the vitality of the vine, and the vine never stops sprouting branches and pursuing the Light. Even when cut back - pruned of dead, fruitless branches - the vine grows all the more.

Abiding in the ever-enduring life of Christ, we are the branches nourished to chase the Light that goes before us - reaching persistently, blooming defiantly.

5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. (John 15:5-8)