Finding the Goodness of God - Pt 2

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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. 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 15:1-6 ESV). Today’s reading is very specific. Jesus simply states that we cannot have any part of God unless we are “abiding” in Him. I know we have heard that principle on many occasions; however, I doubt we really know what it means. Our relationship to Christ is unlike anything else in the human realm. It can be described only by comparing it to relationships we are familiar with. It is like a deep friendship. It is like two people in love with each other, or like the love and respect shared by a parent and child. The vine-and-branches concept makes the ideal metaphor, because it is filled with parallels to our relationship with Christ. A branch grows through its connection with the vine, and we grow because of our relationship with Christ. A branch is nothing apart from the vine, and we can do nothing apart from Him. A branch draws strength from the vine, and we become strong through Him. So, if we need that kind of relationship, how do we get it? It begins with knowing Him. We can only get to know God through the Scripture. The more we read the Bible and study the promises it contains the more we will connect with Him, hearing Him speak to us, receiving His love, transforming us, and growing in our faith. We have to read the Bible every day to keep our connection with God alive. There really isn’t a short-cut to develop this relationship. The Bible is how we hear God speak. We ought to also be disciplined in our prayer life. While God speaks to us through the Scripture, we speak to Him through prayer. Can you imagine never speaking to the love of your life? Of course not! Let’s go back to the vine and branches imagery. While the vine provides the connection to the roots, which bring the water and nutrients of the soil to the branches, the branches must be connected to receive those life-giving provisions. It is a dual relationship. It is not one in which the branches merely take; they also give. We ought to be giving through our praise and prayer. How’s your connection?