A full measure of complete, overflowing joy, with a side of fruitfulness.
So much better than withering seasons of frustrated goals.
Jesus laid out His landscaping plans in John chapter 15, and they are far better than any human mind can imagine.
The first thing that strikes me is the strong repeated invitation:
“Dwell in Me”
“Live in Me”
“Abide in Me”
“Be vitally united to Me”
Vitally united. This is not a bouquet severed from its source, looking impressive for a few short days before vitality drains from its petals and any clinging fruits fall to the floor.
This is a raw relationship filled with energy, life, and invigorating exchange.
You abide in Him, He abides in you. You find your place and peace attached to His presence and power, His words find their home and live big in your spirit.
Welcome to Jesus following 101.
Jesus the Vine. You the branch. Daddy the Vinedresser.
The Father, cultivating lives, pruning and training the Vine to follow His path.
Working every day to remove the deadwood. He gets rid of diseased and stunted fruits to make room for new growth.
Withered fruits often fill the coffers of our overcrowded lives. Dreams that died long ago, the remnants of parched seasons uncoupled from grace.
Some the Father might revive, reconnecting to the flow. Others are fit only for the fire.
Scripture tells us that He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every fruitful branch (John 15:2 AMPLIFIED).
Yesterday’s harvest must make room for today’s growth, and give way to tomorrow’s crop. We live to expand and stretch our branches further, and to do so is a path of letting go and taking hold.
That’s why Jesus says:
“You are My friends if you keep on doing the things I command you to do” John 15:14
Keep on doing what He tells you!
This is not a one-time transaction, it is a daily walk of grace and growth.
I love these words in verse 7:
“If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7 AMPLIFIED
The implications of this promise are clear, and the conversations we could have with this promise as our seed are without number.
This is what it stirred in me.
If I stay close and let him speak, it will result in confidence I could not otherwise muster.
To ask whatever you will indicates the familiarity we enjoy (in the best possible sense). No cowering. Fearless boldness and freedom to ask and to act in the Father’s generous presence.
Instead of skulking in the shadows pining for a handout, our hand is wide receiving direct from the Source, and our heart is assured He will hear and act when we come.
The results of this marvelous partnership?
They are described in verse 11.
Your joy and gladness will be full measure, complete and overflowing.
Fruitfulness is normal and natural when attached to the vine.
Blessing and joy are the result.
