Our scripture this morning is John 15:4-5 (NLT).
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
God has made a call on our lives from the very beginning. We read in Genesis 1:28 “Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.”” God gives us the responsibility for His creation, that we care for it and continue the process along with Him.
God has also promised to be with us from the very beginning. Even when Israel faced dire threats because of their unfaithfulness, God said “I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Ezekiel 37:27). His beloved children had turned away, yet He was ready to welcome them back and forgive them.
Jesus amplifies this, adding that He is our connection to the Father (John 14:6) and that without Him we “can do nothing”. Trying to do it our own way will never be successful. Only through our repentance for sin and acceptance of His forgiveness can we be connected to the true vine and produce fruit for His kingdom.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You made a way for us to be saved. Help us to be fruitful disciples, sharing Your love and being part of the growth of Your kingdom. Amen.
