I’ve become a little obsessed with the vines that cover the wall that separates my patio from my neighbor’s. I’ve never been a plant person, really. I think it’s just that I took greenery for granted when we lived in rural Tennessee and now, there’s little green in my life.
Homesick for nature, my husband and I are both super concerned about the health and well-being of the ivy on our wall. Did the vines get enough water today? Are they getting too much water? What does ivy like? Is that area over on the top left looking concerning to you? Do you think that one brown branch is from when Luis trimmed the vines the other day, or is it still attached and looking diseased? Who knows about vine health? Who can we call to protect our greenery?
As I looked through today’s very plant-centric scripture passages, what stood out to me was not the plants themselves but the who that is responsible for their health and beauty, and what that beauty is actually for.
In John 15:1, Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”
We are the branches. We aren’t necessary. Branches can be fruitful, or they can be pruned. A single branch can wilt or thrive. The vine is the center of attention and the gardener is in charge. The branch’s only hope is to remain connected to the vine in the gardener’s care.
But even after years of walking with the Lord––of learning that I am only healthy, alive, satisfied, and fulfilled when I’m a branch connected to the Vine (Jesus), being nurtured by the Gardener (God)—I still so often long for attention from other places, which leads to sin and pride and pain and heartache.
It’s only when we are connected to the Vine that we’re able to do what we were created to do, and that is to direct attention to the goodness of the Gardner, rather than try to get people to look at me! I still struggle with this. I still do things to try to make myself look impressive as if I’m a rogue branch that thinks it can water and nourish itself.
The fruit that may come from our lives is not from us or for us. It is completely from God and designed to reflect His glory.
Lord, we pray that our “love [would] keep on growing” like ivy, and that our lives would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.”
John 15 has always been one of my favorites and I have meditated on it often since going through my divorce. I remember my co- worker Joyce listening to me vent and sharing how she got thru a divorce and raising her son as a single mom. She wasn’t a Christian and was a little negative about it, but one day I shared John 15: 1-8 with her and she had tears in her eyes because she loved her yard and gardening. She said she wasn’t a fan of religion but loved this passage. I lost touch with her but to this day hope I planted a seed.
Praying for all requests this morning. So many medical issues for many here and their loved ones. Also, Sarah D and Taylor – I struggle with nervousness – just sometimes and it’s so awful when it happens (I have trouble eating and swallowing when it comes on) so I understand your anxiety issues. Praying all here have peace.
Amen!
@Taylor, I get a weekly devotional excerpt from Elisabeth Elliot, and this morning’s was about a book of hers called Passion and Purity. I have not read it, but it sounds like it might be helpful in your situation, as it’s written for single men and women longing for “the one”. I felt God’s nudging to share this with you, and I pray it’s helpful!
Maria Baer, thank you for pointing out the double meaning of “abide.” The idea of remaining comes to mind with this verse, but I appreciate how you pointed out that abiding can also mean to endure or suffer something, which connects well to verses 18-25. Remaining in the vine on the hottest summer day can mean enduring the incredible blaring heat of persecution.
Sara, you questioned the devotional author saying that we aren’t necessary. Perhaps what she is getting at is the idea that we are not needed by God. We have to properly grasp the idea that God is so transcendent and relational within Himself that He does not in any way or form need us. But the spectacular reality is that He chose to create humanity BECAUSE of His love! The mystery is that we are not necessary to God for His joy, but He invites us into the joy and love that He has always had and His joy is completed by sharing it with us. Jesus is about to pray, “Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed” (John 17:5). Then He will pray for us, “I have given them the glory that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me” (John 17:22-23). When we are properly humbled as to how God does not need us, we can be properly amazed by how much He loves us!
Taylor I am touched by your openness and desire to follow God. I am praying for you. I have been in your situation 10-15 years ago and God is faithful. Keep seeking Him. Thank you Angie for sharing from HRT, so helpful! And thank you all for the prayers. Have a blessed day!
Sisters, could I ask for prayer cover as I have surgery on my leg tomorrow? It will be my fifth surgery after I had cancer removed from my right femur three years ago. This should be the final surgery. Thank you.
I am praying for all of you Sisters. May we find great peace, joy, and strength abiding in Him.
I am