28. Much Fruit—
John 15:5 (NRSV) I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who
abide in me and I in them bear much fruit,
because apart from me you can do
nothing. …
Our Holy Vine reveals the law of sure and abundant
fruitfulness: "He that abides in Me,
and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit." The gardener cares
for one thing—the strength and healthy life of his tree—the fruit follows of itself. If you would bear fruit, see that the
inner life is perfectly right, that your relationship to Christ Jesus is clear
and close. Each day take time to grow in the Truth that
you are abiding in Him and He in you. Christ tells us
that nothing less will do. It is not your willing and running, it is not by
your might or strength, but—"by my
Spirit, says the Lord." Meet each new engagement, undertake every new
work, with an ear and heart open to the Master's voice: "He that abides in Me, bears much
fruit." When you seek the
abiding—He will see to the fruit because He will give it in you and through
you.
It is Christ Who does it all! The Vine provides the sap, and
the life, and the strength—the branch waits, rests, receives, and bears the
fruit.