Withered or Wealthy?

John 15:6, "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned."

As Jesus gives final instructions to His disciples, He is conveying the idea that every Christian has the option of either abiding in Christ, or not abiding in Christ. So far in Chapter 15, the Lord has explained with clarity the lasting results of either choice we might make. If our choice is to abide in Christ, to remain as one with Him, and not to become independent or different -- then we will remain useful; we will continue to be of service to Him; and we will stay connected and aware of our Lord. However, if a Christian chooses to maintain a "detached" existence, then that Christian is no good to the Lord Jesus, or himself.

Can we find a good use for the withered grape branch?

Unlike the olive tree, whose wood has found many uses since ancient times, the grape produces wood that is brittle and small. Ezekiel wrote, "Is wood taken from [the grapevine] to make any object? Or can men make a peg from it to hang any vessel on? Instead, it is thrown into the fire for fuel; the fire devours both ends of it, and its middle is burned. Is it useful for any work? Indeed, when it was whole, no object could be made from it. How much less will it be useful for any work when the fire has devoured it, and it is burned?'" (Ezekiel 15:3-4)

It seems that the withered grapevine has settled for offering one final "hand-warming" as it burns away to nothing. However, God has greater plans and desires for His children than we can ever understand!

Colossians 1:9-10, "Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we have continued praying for you, asking God that you will know fully what he wants. We pray that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things so that you will live the kind of life that honors and pleases the Lord in every way. You will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God."

The fruit that the vine has produced on the branch is the result of the vinedresser's diligent effort and tender care. He has cleaned and pruned, and he has enabled the branch to receive the nourishment from the vine that results in a wealthy harvest.

The fruit of a Christian's life that our Lord has produced in us is the result of the Heavenly Father's gift of love and mercy. He has forgiven and disciplined, and He has poured out His grace that we might receive power to bring glory to Him.

Have a great week!