This week’s text may bring to mind an old hymn – Abide with Me. If it resonates with you, allow the words and melody to bring consolation to your spirit. Linger there for a little while.
I invite you to notice what pictures form freshly for you as your read the text. What does abiding in love feel like for you in your body and spirit? I share two versions of the text and pictures of a few of the different seasons a grapevine will experience. Simply notice where the Holy Spirit is inviting you to linger and keep company with Jesus. Be as free as you can with how you really are in the presence of Love. Stay there for awhile and allow that love to nurture and strengthen you.
It is love which transforms us – all and each of us. Fear, hate and shame do not lead to lasting transformation. As we root ourselves in this Love may Love compel us to sow seeds of love into our families, neighborhoods, communities and countries. May God’s kingdom come in us and through us.
John 15:1-9 (NLT)
I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.
John 15:1-9 (ESV)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. 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. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Allow those words to land softly in your heart.
Quietly reflect on what you heard in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
What longing rose up in your heart as you listened. How are you feel this holy longing in your body? Gently bring this awareness into your prayer with Jesus.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
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