January 19

Abiding In Christ

I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. — John 15:5 BSB

Our Savior's constant joy was rooted in His unceasing effort to minister help and blessing to others. He saved others, but He could not save Himself. He said, "I am the true Vine," meaning the vine in creation was designed to illustrate a characteristic of Himself. It reflects in the material world the eternal principles deep in His divine nature. Studying the vine is therefore especially precious in its teaching.

Behind the vine's existence lies an immense surge of energy. In springtime, it's as though God’s love is pressing forward to express itself in the corn that sustains life, the oil that brings radiance, and the grape that brings joy. The vine cannot bear fruit by itself; it is merely the channel through which God's energy flows, aiming to gladden the hearts and lives of people. Likewise, Jesus is the channel through which God's life and love reach us, so we can pass them on in loving service to others. In doing so, we store up infinite joy for ourselves.

Let us learn to abide in Christ, keeping our hearts open to Him on one side and open to people on the other. Trust Christ to fill us with His love and grace so that the pressure within us will result in acts of kindness and compassion that we might not otherwise be capable of. Let’s make it our aim to never let a day pass without doing something, even at personal cost, to lighten someone else’s burden. When we are willing for Christ to work through us, He will always respond. His Spirit in us will guide us to know what to say or do. Sometimes, it may be as simple as a smile, a touch, or a word. Such acts will fill our lives with joy, and that joy will carry over into the next life. As we join the happy throngs of martyrs, prophets, apostles, and saints from every age, the greatest wonder will be that we, too, are there. "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You drink?" He will answer, "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to Me."

Prayer

May I never forget, O Lord, that the best and happiest life is lived in communion with the needs, sorrows, and trials of others. Draw me into closer sympathy with You, who did not please Yourself, but constantly laid down Your life for others. Amen.