The Parable of the Vine

[Susanne]

Jesus’ parable of the vine really stood out to me for the first time.

Especially, “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

What a stark reminder, that if one pushes through life without seeing the utmost need for always focusing on God (because well, I’m doing great, yippee! And I can always pull C.S. down from the shelf when needed) then, one day, one may find oneself being withered and gathered up and burned! I’ve “been there, done that” because that was the case for me before joining the fold at Plainfield.

When we are truly grounded in the Christ, and follow in the steps of Jesus our Wayshower best we can, seeking spiritual nourishment (instead of worldly gain), we will bear fruit, often in ways we never thought possible. When beset with difficulties, we may be “pruned” to make us more fruitful. But we will always need the Master Gardener every moment, every day, to guide us along the way.

I’m loving this parable! And reflecting on what it truly means to be rooted in Christ, Truth, the “true vine”: Am I being a true disciple?

[Gary]

Thank you. This reminds me of Billy Graham saying that his only regret was that he didn’t have more disciples, rather than converts. Converts are nice, but it is the disciples that make things happen.

[Author]

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