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.
Jesus reminds us that like the branches of a vine we must be continuously connected to Him in order to thrive and be fruitful. In Psalm 80:8-9 we read “You brought us from Egypt like a grapevine; you drove away the pagan nations and transplanted us into your land. You cleared the ground for us, and we took root and filled the land.” Israel is often referred to as God’s vineyard, a reminder of how His people are rooted in Him.
Like a branch that doesn’t grow correctly, we have not always developed and produced fruit for the kingdom. Earlier in this passage Jesus says “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (John 15:2). God wants us to grow in our love for Him and one another and is active in our lives when we accept His love.
Unlike a branch, we can be reconnected through repentance. When we come to God and earnestly want to be better people, we can receive His forgiveness. He is always ready to welcome us back as one of His children.
Patient Lord, we are sorry for the times we have fallen short of Your will for us. Forgive us and help us to be fruitful in our faith, sharing Your love everywhere. Amen.
