5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. – John 15:5-6
Sure, you can do plenty without the vine. We act freely in a world of chaos. Yet, what Jesus is saying here goes past mere movement. It is as if He is narrowing down our choices as being meaningful and meaningless. If we are not connected to the vine, it is only a matter of time before we wither and die. Anything the renegade branch does has an expiration date. We are free to act as we wish, but our greatest of works without this Holy connection will pale in comparison of a work connected to the great Vine. When we see apart from me you can do nothing it means we cannot do anything of significance.
Is not the question of our age one of significance? How can I make a mark on life? How can I be known? These are questions of a lasting impact and can only be possible with the care of our Vine.
It is important for us here to remember that what we celebrate as successful is oftentimes counter to our Lord’s definition of success. A healthy branch connected to an eternal Vine is often quiet, peaceful, and in worldly terms, boring. It is not the loudest or most articulate branch that brings God glory, but the one who serves in the shadows and loves with steadfast humility.
In a world of bullhorns, be the gentle hum of a risen savior.
Lord, thank you for giving our lives meaning. Thank you that as we abide in you, our actions have tremendous potency. Help us to love as you love and serve as you serve. Teach us to be humble.
Matt simon blog 