Lent is our time to focus in on the love of God poured out through Jesus with the cross, his death and resurrection.

As we reflect during the time leading to the celebration of the resurrection, let’s take some time to focus on Jesus and his ministry.  We will take some time to walk through the names of Jesus as called out in scripture.  We will see him through the Father’s eyes and come to know him better.

“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 takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2

Vibrant red roses decorated the kitchen island displaying their beauty and offering their scent as a constant reminder of the love my husband expressed on Valentine’s.  “Mommy, we should plant them”, my daughter said likely reflecting on her recent experience planting flowers with her grandfather.  “My dear, there is no root.  It is no longer connected to the plant so they will not live without it even if we put it in the ground.”  The water and the sun will not make those flowers survive even though they will help sustain them a bit longer. Without a connection to a life-giving source, they will eventually whiter away.  Every living thing needs a connection to a source of life and scripture makes it clear who is the source is for us.

The job of the vine

Vines supply food to the branches so the branches can bear fruit.  We are the branches and are intended to bear fruit.  To continue to receive our supply, we must stay connected to him.  That’s all we have to do, stay connected by reading the word of God and keeping our senses attuned to His direction.  As we do this, we receive our food, our daily bread to sustain us.  We stay rooted so we not only survive but also thrive. 

Vine characteristics

·       Vines anchor themselves to something sturdy.  By doing this, the vine will be able to direct more resources to growth in the direction of the sun. The way of Jesus is to always go towards to the light.

·       Vines stretch out from where they are planted in essence seek out and entering new territory. Connected to him we will enter new spaces. We will venture out from the place where we were first planted to branch out and show our fruit elsewhere.   It was his direct charge for us (Matt 28:18-20) go into all nations and make disciples.  As the vine, he sends us and keeps us supplying us with what we need to fulfill the call.

·       Vines are not impeded or impacted by their environment.  Vines will grow inherent to their nature despite where they are planted.  No matter how much sun or soil exists, vines will continue to develop according to who they are.  When we know who and who’s we are, we will not be conformed to this world either (Rom 12:2).  By staying connected to him, to the vine, we will enjoy constant renewal of our true nature in Him.

Jesus, our true vine, is the only source to keep us rooted and thriving into the abundant life promised intended to bless ourselves and others.

In this lent season, purpose to stay connected to him through prayer and his word.  Challenge yourself to read one scripture a day.  Let us not forgive that God does not anything more than a willing heart to do a good work.  A small prayer of “God use me” or “Father help” will be sufficient to accomplish much.  Believe this with any degree of faith and it will be done.

Sow the seed:  Jesus is the true vine and apart from him we cannot be fruitful.

Nurture the seed: “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 takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2