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The Great Connection

If you’ve ever been to a vineyard, you know they are not only beautiful, but also fascinating. Imagine rows and rows of grape-bearing vines, rooted on rolling hills—its produce harvested and distributed as table grapes, grape juice, wine, raisins, jellies, jams, and more.

Jesus often used real-life examples to explain spiritual truths and, in John 15, vineyards were at the center of His analogy…

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In the surrounding passages, Jesus makes it clear that He, the Son, is the vine; His Father, God, is the gardener; and we, His people, are the branches—thriving or dying depending on our connection to the source. 

You could also think about it this way: 

Your phone won’t continue to function if it’s not charged. But when it’s plugged into a charger, which is connected to the much more powerful source of electricity, your device can continue to function as its creator intended.

In contrast, a vine (or phone) that’s cut off from its source cannot continue to make fruit (or send texts). It cannot sustain life because it’s severed from that which gives life. And the same is true for us.

 

If we want to live lives that point to, glorify, and magnify God—we must stay connected to Him.

 

How do we stay connected? 

 

Jesus says that “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

It’s not about a legalistic submission, but trusting the One who loves to give us life. He is our greatest connection. 

 

So right now, consider how God might be calling you to draw closer to Him. What steps will you take this week in order to stay connected to Him?

SHARE YOUR FAITH

If we want to live lives that point to, glorify, and magnify God—we must stay connected to Him.

PRAYER

Jesus, I want to be in Your presence at all times. Thank You for promising to remain in me as I remain in You.

I want to be as close to You as possible-to hear how Your heart beats for those who love You. As I stay connected to You, please use me for Your purposes-to serve and love those around me each day. In Jesus name Amen.