23. The Vine

John 15:5 (NRSV) I am the vine, you are the branches. … …

In the previous verse Christ had just said: "Abide in Me." He had then announced the great unalterable law of all branch-life, on earth or in Heaven: not of itself / except it abide. In the opening words of the parable He had already spoken: "I am the Vine." He now repeats the words. He would have us understand the simplicity of the lesson—the key to the abiding life—is to have eye and heart fixed upon Him.

"Abide in Me ... I am the True Vine."

I have been challenged to study this holy mystery until I see that Christ as the True Vine, Who bears, strengthens, supplies and inspires all His branches, being and doing IN each branch ALL it needs, and the abiding will come of itself. I have invited you to join me on this quest and I pray you are being equally challenged to see yourself as a fully empowered and equipped branch serving Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour with a fresh fervor!

Gaze upon Him as the True Vine, until you feel what a Heavenly Mystery it is, and are compelled to ask Papa God to reveal this deeper understanding to you by His Holy Spirit. He to whom God reveals the glory of the True Vine, he who sees Who Jesus is and waits to do His Will every moment cannot help but to abide IN Him. The vision of Christ is an irresistible attraction. It draws and holds us like a magnet. Listen to the Living Christ still speaking to you, and waiting to show you the meaning and power of His Word:

 "I am the Vine."