Scripture:
John 15:5-8 ESV
[5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. [7] If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Observation:
I felt like this was a good place to zero in this morning. First of all, I would like to apologize for the SAOP being so inconsistent recently. It’s honestly my fault. I don’t feel well. But here we go. I think the first thing we have to determine is what does it means to abide. At first glance, you might think it means it lives in or stays hooked to, and well… you might be somewhat correct, but halfway wrong at the same time. I looked up the definition of the word just so I would have a proper understanding of this scripture. To abide means to obey in a sense. It means to accept or act according to rules or recommendations…it also means the ability to tolerate or discipline oneself. With this, I’m mind, let’s look at this scripture a little closer. To abide in Jesus means to accept and obey. Now that being said, what exactly are we to accept and obey? Well, the answer is always in the words HE spoke. Let’s talk about the spirit of the law. What is the underlying principle that is found in the 10 commandments… we that’s simple… it’s love, right? HE spells it out for us by saying abide in my love. Ok, now the pruning process. So, to abide in Jesus is to love. If love is not who you are, it’s not others that will be cut off, but you. I’m sorry I’m getting into the application process. Let’s get back on track. The next thing that is Said is… if we accept HIM (abide in HIM), we can ask for whatever we wish, and it will be done. Now, think about that statement. It’s powerful and opens up a world of possibilities. If we act in love, our prayers will be out of love, and why would HE not honor a prayer that was offered in love. Finally, when we accept HIS love and offer that same love to others, GOD, the FATHER us glorified.
Application:
I feel like I have already gone over the application process… however, I also feel like there is so much in this scripture that it’s without end. So what does it mean to truly love… well, if we pay close attention to how Jeuse approached any given situation, HE never lied, but he always spoke with grace. We can see this with the woman at the well. You can not convict condem or convince someone into the kingdom. You have to love them in. Fishing for men is an awesome sport. The bate that is used is the key as to whether or not you will catch them. The best bate I have found is… wait for it … love. Now I know you thought I was going to say bacon, and it works to but only if it is made with love. We need to hold tight to the example that Jesus Christ set of us and love those who he placed beside us. Let’s abide in HIM and love them all. It’s not up to us to sort them out or prun them it’s up to us to love them. HE will sort them out and prun them. For a fruit tree to produce good fruit, you have to remove the bad branches. If you don’t, they will pull the attention of the tree away from the branches that are doing something good. Therefore, making the good branches bad the pruning process may at times hurt, but it is very necessary. Our lives are looked at like a fruit tree. When the bad is removed, we can pay better attention to the good HE has for us.
Prayer:
Father, we love you, and I know that only you can make sense of what has been put out there. My thoughts are somewhat scattered. But I know that your Holy Spirit can bring out the messages you intended to be heard it’s not about me. Father, you are good, and I know you prun us to produce the fruit you intend. We are here for your work. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.