Jesus declares a most powerful reality in John 15. Consider His words carefully. He expresses the epitome of God’s grace and truth found in an abiding relationship with Him.
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. 5 “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. 6 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. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 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. (John 15:4-10)
In this context He repeats the word, abide, ten times and the word love four times. So, consider that the word, abide, means to continue in faithfulness. It defines a kind of relationship with God that He terms blessed. It speaks of dwelling in a continuing state of being consciously aware of God’s presence. This is God’s reality. Ponder on that for a moment.
RELEVANCE
Abiding with God, therefore, establishes a life flowing in agreement and alignment with God, in in His love, in His ways, truth and life. That’s why besides declaring, “I am the true vine,” Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As we receive His grace and truth we can experience the realities of His presence and power of His life. That fosters strong faith and brings us to bear various types of good fruit.
So, consider some benefits of abiding in Christ, living and walking in the blessings of His grace and truth. We can:
- Experience God’s sustaining love
- Be nurtured by His Word and comforted by His Spirit
- Pray in agreement with God
- Observe what He does and says, then respond in faith by doing
- Communicate with God through the Holy Spirit in an intimate way
- Cultivate Christ’s character in us
- Flow in a divine rhythm of life, walking in step with God
- Live in a rare but healthy state of being in His peace and joy
- Bear fruit unto His glory
So, just as Jesus uses the example of an organic vine, consider that when Jesus is the source of our organic union or relationship with God, a real identity of the Lord is established in us. We find His nature, character, values and ways being absorbed into our being. This is His grace manifested. This is the truth.
REFLECT, RELATE AND RESPOND
Practice waiting on the Lord for a moment. Ask God to bring forth a Bible verse to your mind. Reflect on the truth of the Word. Meditate on times you have experienced that Word become real. See Jesus in the situation. Sense His grace upon your heart. What truth is the Holy Spirit revealing to you? Abide in this place for a little while. What are you experiencing? What reality is God showing you?