The Creator of the Vine and the Vineyard knew it well. He uses it to teach His disciples about what their life should and would be like once He was gone. For sure, The Disciples had a solid, accurate knowledge of the Vineyard and all that He spoke of as well.
He said that HE was the root of their life. He said for them to first “remain, abide” IN Him. Folks, this is not “works or programs or plans or ideas!” This is “time spent” alone with our Champion and Lord. Of all the regrets I have in my life and my mind today the one big one is that I never did this properly and consistently. The times now that I spend alone and quiet and just allow Him to speak to my heart are so sweet and productive. I’m all about “git ‘er done” dog! Something “new to do” turns my crank! Jesus said that “doing” without “abiding” produces “nothing.” I got a warehouse full of “nothing!”
Jesus has been all about “fruit” in my life. Fruit is “Christ-like Character and Characteristics” being formed in me and THEN, not first, but THEN expressed outwardly. Paul said that he labored hard for his sheep that “...Christ be formed in them.”
When you and I “cooperate” and remain and abide In Him in “fellowship and communion,” not works, but alone with Him, two things take place.
- His life flows Into my “heart”: i.e; my mind, my will, my affections, my understanding, and my reason
- My “Heart” of selfishness is unplugged and set aside
The “Vine-life” of Christ is at war with the “carnal-life” of selfishness that runs in my bones!
When we “cooperate” with the Spirit and remain and abide, the battle is won moment by moment and the very life and Character of Jesus Christ is formed in us and others see it clearly. They also see very clearly my selfishness and manipulation and striving and craving that is not a part of the “new creation” ...the New Self, the New Man, who is the real ME! I’m not my sin! The Vine Life of Christ produces fruit that looks like it came from Him!
John 15:1-8, esp vs 8, Jesus said that when we bear the fruit of Christ-like Character formed within it brings joy and glory to His Father! He also said that when this happens, other see clearly that we are His disciples!!
Remaining In Christ and His Character being formed IN us is as the relation between light and heat! You cannot separate them; neither can you “see” the heat...it’s the natural result of “light”! His Life is the supernatural result of us being His and remaining and abiding IN Him daily! Then, whatever your hands find to do, you will do it heartily and in loving response FOR Him and His great life, death, and resurrection FOR us and AS us!
Be blessed today and remember, you are first to “BE”, then “you will do.” Who you are and whose you are is far more important than what you do!! “The name on the front of the jersey is far more important than the name on the back!”
In His great love and grace,
JerryCol 1:18b “...that in all things, Christ might have the supremacy!”
Posts
