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Morning Devotion for the Season of Easter
May 21, 2025
Reading: John 15:1-8
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide 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. I 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. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Meditation: Jo Ann B. Jones
How I dearly love the word “abide.” The long i gives it such a sense of permanence and continuity and always in relationship. There is a sense of expectation and yet one manages to maintain patience, for there is something truly worth waiting for that is beyond the capability or intentionality of the one who abides. The one who abides is placed exactly where he or she should be. It is as if that very place or mode was selected for that person. That place is well and truly guarded and made safe. There is no anxiety in this position for one feels secure and assured of the proper and appropriate outcome, one that will lead seamlessly into the very next stage of life.
Jesus knows full well what their discipleship will cost them. And he knows how important it is for them to reveal to others what has been revealed to them. “life that they may have it abundantly” and forgiveness for their sins.
Jesus is at the very heart of the image of the vine. “I am the true vine,” and as the text continues there are supporting symbols. There are two levels in the structure of this image. The primary level is Christ, the secondary level concerns discipleship. “I am the vine, you are the branches.” The imagery is immediately accessible to the disciples and its familiarity is intended to strengthen them. It strengthens us, also. We are all the more confident in developing relationships with many, particularly those who may be most unfamiliar to us. This enables us to disregard differences, even those that have become barriers to others who are, for a variety of reasons, different from us. Thus, we foster relationships between Jesus and all believers.
Those things that abide are also lasting, are personal, intentional, relational and responsible. This offers human life at its finest and, one that is not self-sustaining, but sustained by God. In this relationship described in the phrase “abide one me” are Jesus’ eternal gifts of himself, his pledge of faithfulness, love that endures in faithfulness. The relationship, in turn, rests on God’ s love. The negative “whoever does not abide” reprises the removal of the unproductive branches. The life of the disciple who seeks to live out a life not patterned in Jesus will deteriorate. For those who do not abide there are dire consequences as he who does not abide “is thrown away.” The statement expresses the notion of Jesus being present, life and fruit bearing are now, but so are death, judgment and exclusion. These last words of Jesus together with his disciples are meant to last them … and us, a lifetime in our journey of faith in relationship to God and to each other.
A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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