What does a branch do? Not much (Galatians 3:1-3). The roots, vine and
leaves of a plant do most of the work. Without them, the branch will wither and
die, and be pruned and thrown into the fire and burned up (Matthew 7:19).
Yet, securely connected to the vine, the branch will bear
much fruit (Matthew 7:18). The vine is one long system with many branches
flaring out from it. It uses rocks, other plants, trees or any viable support
for growth.
The vine helps to fertilize the soil over which it spreads,
holding in moisture needed by the branches to bear fruit. It colonizes and
spreads quickly. When pruned, the branches bear even more fruit (John 15:4-8).
The vine always moves toward the light in order to
position the leaves of the plant to access the most and best sunlight. The vine
will even overcome walls, fences and ravines in order to spread. So like our
spiritual walk.
Vines stabilize the plant on which they attach as a
support, and also help to hold soil in place and to cover parts of the earth
that would otherwise be bare, parched soil.
A stem is stationary and remains in one spot, but a vine
spreads out and up and around. Jesus could have used the word "stem"
instead of vine in illustrating our connection to Him.
However, His use of the word vine shows that He is
interested in spreading His gospel as quickly and prolifically as possible. The
roots of the vine also spread out in the soil, offering stability and
nourishment for the whole vine and branches.
Roots act like tiny straws, sucking up water and minerals
from the soil. The little hairs sticking out from the roots help in this
absorption process too. Roots anchor the vine much like God's Spirit anchors us
in life.
Roots also store extra nutrients for later use, ensuring
that the Vine and branches have the provision they need for healthy growth now
and in the future.
The leaves on the branches join the roots in providing
much needed food for the vine and branches. They use sunlight, water from the
soil and carbon dioxide from the air in photosynthesis to make a sugary energy
drink for the vine and branches.
Living apart from God's presence, the nurturing of His
Spirit and the Body of Christ, we cannot survive in this world (John 15:5). We
would wither and die, be pruned and discarded.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for providing Jesus as the support
for our life as our Vine. We are amazed at how You piece together the Body, the
Spirit and Your presence to make us healthy, and a viable conduit of Your life
in order for us to bear fruit for Your Kingdom.
Remind us that we are useless without You, Your Spirit
and Your Body, because we could not bear fruit. We rely on You for everything
we need for life and godliness (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Peter 1:3). Use our fruit
to feed the multitudes who come to gather in Your presence.
Thought for the Day
The symbolism which Jesus used of the Vine and branches
is such a perfect picture of the Christian life; the fellowship, comradery,
spiritual nourishment and support provided to us by Jesus, His Spirit and His
Body is invaluable to our personal growth in Christ.
