Are You connected to the Vine?

“I am the vine and My Father is the vinedresser.  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” (John 15:1-2).

Hey Gang: This is not a new subject area for Gramps, (actually a rerun) I love this passage of Scripture.  I have mentioned before that I have titled the 17^th chapter of John the IF chapter, and it contains sufficient meat and potatoes to keep us here for several months to come.

But is that not the mystery of the Word of God?  Have you ever read a book written by a human author that has a different meaning the second, third, fourth time you read it?  Or put another way, have you ever read a passage of Scripture a second time and you got the same message that you received the first time around?

It is not the desire of Abba Father’s heart to get out the pruning shears.  The most quoted verse in the Bible, (John 3:16) gives us the wondrous news of how very much He loves His creation.

 Peter also emphasized God's great love for His children when He wrote: “It is God’s heart that none should perish but all would repent and accept His great salvation.” (2 Pet. 3:9 Hillbilly rendition).  Again, can you say, “WOW!” Thank You Lord!  Do we not all have loved one’s who has chosen to go their own way and need to come into God’s safety network?

In verse 10 we find a power verse that contains the key to all of the 'IF's of this passage “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in MY love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (v. 12)  

This power verse follows another power verse that measures just how much we are willing to love our neighbor, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (v. 13).  The bottom line: “This I command you, that you love one another” (v.17).

So, my friends and neighbors, lets quit there.  We certainly do not like reading Jesus' next words, but I suspect in this day and age when we see our religious freedoms under attack from many sources, we need to learn the truth of what is to come.  Another 'IF' but with a very different message: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (v.18).  Really? You bet your sweet bippy!

Blessings,

Gramps 

PS Read  John 17:20-23.  On His way to the cross, Jesus prayed for you and me and all who would believe in Him. Be Blesses as you celebrate Resurrection Sunday.  Remember there were not many at the tomb to celebrate! – Maybe all the angels in Glory!!!

Did you know that many think 'Good Friday' originally was called "God's Day"?  God's plan for the redemption of man "It Is Finished"! John 19:28-30