“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.” John 15:6
June 2, 2023
Pruning is the cutting away of plant parts, such as branches, shoots, buds, or roots. Jesus spoke to His disciples in language they were sure to understand. In order to produce abundant fruit in our lives we have to continue in abiding. Some interpreters take this to mean failure in fruit bearing is an indication of not being a believer. However, such a view brings more interpretive and theological problems than it solves. It is more consistent with the context to understand not abiding is a loss of fellowship. Disciples of Jesus draw sap from the roots and trunk for fruit. We receive our needed strength and enablement for a fruitful life from Jesus Christ. Being in Him is the source of life, abiding in Him is the source of fruit (1 Jn. 2:6, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”). Withered branches incur divine discipline and loss of rewards. Unworthy works (1 Cor. 3:15) and uselessness are a spiritual disaster. Lovingly obeying God’s Word is the life to be lived. Perhaps abiding is to put out a smoldering ember of resentment, forgiving someone, or helping a stressed-out fellow believer. Abiding can also be refusing to be passive and indifferent to the moral chaos that is defining our culture. Do you want fullness of joy? Be an obedient follower in fellowship with Christ.
H
“Lord Jesus, keep me from the spiritual disaster of making choices that starve of the strength found in you.”