If Jesus said something ten times in the context of a single thought, you would think He had something critically important to convey. He did. Ten times in a small space in John 15 he related the value of abiding in the LORD. What can we learn from this?
Read slowly and meditate on what the LORD is saying. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:4-11).
RELEVANCE
What does it mean to abide in the LORD? Basically, remain in tight relationship—real union—with the LORD. What does that exactly mean? Keeping God’s Word at the forefront of your heart and mind; allowing it to shape your desires and values, and inspire your actions and behavior.
Jesus was actually reflecting on key instructions Moses had given to the children ofIsrael.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
REFLECT AND RELATE
How can I regularly apply God’s Word to keep it fresh and relevant in my life?
How can I connect relevant concepts woven in books of the Old and New covenants?
In what context did Jesus relate scriptures from the Law and the Prophets?
With whom might I regularly fellowship to open and study God’s Word in a relevant way?
REFERENCES
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 1:5-9; John 6:32-42