John 15:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 15"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. Verse 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. Verse 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Verse 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. Verse 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Verse 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Verse 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Verse 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Devotion
We are at the present time experiencing the critical illness of a member of our extended family. My wife’s brother, who is ill, is some miles away, so we wait for daily e-mails and phone calls. Healing is possible, but by no means certain, and we visit when we can.
We are experiencing what it is to be bound together in the love of God, like branches on a vine. Like many others, our family grew up knowing the stories of Jesus and his love. Now we experience that love in a special way as we share the anxiety and also the hope.
The love of God at the root of our existence is felt through the words and touch of one another. We are branches on a living vine, and we need to stay connected.
Not only families, but all people are connected. All of us suffer the pain brought on by war, homelessness, separation and brokenness. The story of the true vine is for all people.
Prayer
Bring us together, Lord, in the Vine that is your love. Amen.