The Vine

''Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.'' (Matthew 7:20) Most people bring forth fruit in their lives. Some fruit are good, others bad. However, some people's lives don't bear any fruit at all. They seem to be dried up and there is nothing that anyone can reap with them.

Jesus said that He is the Vine and we are the branches, who grows on the Vine and extracts power from it. Only when we are really “grounded” in Him, do we receive nourishment to grow properly and bring forth good fruit. We need a foundation, which supplies us with the water of life, so that we don't dry up inside.

And only Jesus is such a Foundation. Whoever wants to give without taking, wilts quickly as a flower removed from the soil. The love which we want to pass to others, we must first receive – and from whom better than the One who Himself is Love. If we want to love without receiving love, is it not the same as a blind man speaking of light?

Only when we remain close to Jesus, are we able to experience and be filled with the love of the Father.

I believe that Jesus used the image of the Vine on purpose. He could also have spoken of wheat or any other staple foods, however He used the image of the Vine. The vine is something which should, apart from our basic needs, give us joy. God's love is exactly like this. He showers us with overflowing masses of love, and not just enough.

“He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38) Not merely a little drop, but streams will flow from Him to us. God is not a miser, when He gives, He gives abundantly!

What is your foundation from which you nourish yourself?
Which source are you connected to?

I wish you a blessed day and the abundant love of God

Rainer Gigerich