Nougat 30

Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

““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.” John 15:5 NIV

It is worth noting, by way of the analogy used; that Jesus intends us to realize that by abiding in the Vine, our relationship with God is mutual. Thus we feed on / from the vine which is best recognized by its branches and fruit. However; let’s not get too puffed up – the vine IS the Life-giving element.

In unpacking …

Years ago, there was a documentary that chronicled a great family of vintners (ie winemakers). It was compelling. For, tragedy struck and the vineyard was under threat (I think it was a wildfire or something similar that required their relocation). After every effort to save the vineyard failed; they set about rescuing the roots of the vine. Their argument was simple but profound. Not only did that vine root symbolize generations of being in business; but that was the original root that produced the high quality fruit for which their vineyard was renowned. They had to rescue the vine because their livelihoods depended on it.

We are blessed. Our True Vine does NOT Need rescuing. God transcends all the disasters of Life.

But

… like the family in the documentary, we MUST realize that our Lives and Livelihood ARE inextricably linked to The True Vine. As The Original True Vine, God has already established a reputation for quality fruit. And, since grape branches have Zero Value separate from the root, unless it’s being harvested or discarded; it follows that we MUST be connected to the True Vine.

True, branches may be grafted in; but even then, those ingrafts are done with young, supple twigs that will adapt to the vine.

Siblings in Christ, with God as the True Vine in which we abide (grafted or not); we must be supple enough to recognize that our True Worth is measured firstly in the Vine. It is God, and the relationship we establish With and In God that determines our character and attitudes. Yes, there are nice persons out there who are not abiding in the Vine. But since we all originate from The Vine, it is to be expected. For consistency however; we must be connected.

To abide means we live with; share similar traits or habits; or act in accordance with. Thus we are not only attached TO the True Vine (living with); but we also reflect God’s habits and are aligned (in accord) with God’s Spirit.

How to do that – it’s simple.

• Accept God as the True Vine and Jesus as the Vintner.

• Believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord who defied every threat to secure our existence in The Vine

• Confess (ie share) this belief through our actions and words; having yielded to the Vintner

Repeat.

Repeat.

Repeat while Living

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May all we seek be found in Christ