Abide in Me, and I in You
Scripture Passage: John 15:1-8 (NASB)
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
SUMMARY
Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (v. 1) who is taking care of branches. He says, “Abide in Me, and I in you" (v. 4). He also says that He is the vine and we are the branches. Those who abide in Him will produce much fruit. We cannot do anything without Him. When we produce much fruit, we become His true disciples and God will be glorified.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
The idea of a vine, a gardener, branches, and fruit (grapes in this illustration) explains our relationship with the Father. Jesus is the true vine and we are branches that have the potential to bear fruit. God cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will bear even more fruit. Without God, we cannot bear any fruit. That is why God tells us to abide in Him. Abiding in Jesus means having a strong connection with Christ. Also, we can be completely dependent on Him for everything we do by abiding in Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
It has been six weeks since my unit became the COVID-19 designated unit in the hospital. Even though it was very scary working with COVID patients at first, I felt safe working because I had all the personal protective equipment (PPE). But, when I was asked to reuse everything due to supply shortages, I became terrified and anxious. I think I had experienced a panic attack for the first time in my life. I wanted to quit my job and find a new place where there were not so many positive COVID cases, or a place where I don’t have to work directly with COVID patients.
But, I knew this was what God was calling me to do and He was so pleased by what I had been doing for my patients who were suffering alone in the isolation rooms. Sharing the gospel with my patients and coworkers gave me great joy but I still felt miserable thinking about how long I may need to endure what has been the most challenging situation in my nursing career. Though I know that I am not the only one suffering from this pandemic, I wanted to give everything up and save myself from experiencing this hell.
APPLICATION
Today’s QT passage was a great reminder that the only way for us, Christians, to have a fruitful life is to abide in Him through having an intimate union with Him daily. It was so helpful reciting, "Abide in Me, and I will abide in you" when I was feeling frustrated or irritated at work today. It felt like God was so close to me even though I couldn’t see Him with my eyes.
PRAYER
I pray that I will continue to have a close union with Him every day even with the craziness at work. I pray that I will remember His faithfulness and presence over me when the fear comes my way. I pray that I will always remember that the blood of Jesus is the best PPE and there is nothing I need to be afraid of if I have the shield of faith. I want to dwell in the presence of God just like Daniel in the lions’ den so that I can live fearlessly during this pandemic.
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