Everyday Disciple #4 - Growing in Intimacy

In the picture that we find in John 15, Jesus tells us that the Father is the gardener. He cuts off and prunes us, the branches, so that we might bear more fruit.

John 15:1-8

And remain in the vine. Remain connected to Jesus in the daily rhythm of your life.

Kathryn and I had a week off in July and one of our jobs was to prune a number of bushes and trees in our yard. We borrowed a trailer and using a cordless pole saw, hand saw, secateurs and a lopper, we got the job done. After the couple of days, I found I had scratches on my arms and other areas of my body. Why? Because to prune, I needed to press in close to the bushes and trees. I needed to get in around the other plants in the garden. Pruning required me to be in contact with the plant.

In the picture that we find in John 15, Jesus tells us that the Father is the gardener. He cuts off and prunes us, the branches, so that we might bear more fruit.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

Pruning is not comfortable, but it is necessary for fruit to grow. Fruit of transformation within us and fruit of new life as seeds fall to become new followers of Jesus. We need to do two things, allow the gardener close to us and to do his work and pruning. Invite him close into all you hold dear.

And remain in the vine. Remain connected to Jesus in the daily rhythm of your life.

As you do, you will see the fruit of life, hope and joy flow out of your life into others.

God bless.

Pastor Stephen