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For I know the plans I have for you,declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11 |
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| Archived Manna: | |
Dear
Friend,
If you do not already have a habit of gathering daily manna the first thing in the morning (we can look at the example given to us in Exodus 16 and find the pattern for collecting daily manna), make it a habit. Establish your life and your schedule to allow you the necessary time to do your daily collection first thing every morning to give you the strength to make it through the day. And remember that today’s manna will not be sufficient for tomorrow; tomorrow’s manna must be collected tomorrow morning. Monday, October 1, 2018
Today's Passage : Today's Passage:Subjecta:The Vine and the Branches Bible Verse:John 15:1-10 "“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. 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. " Message:
This is an odd time for Jesus to be teaching a parable; it isn’t characteristic of the Gospel of John in the first place, and it certainly isn’t characteristic of Christ’s teachings at the end of his ministry. His arrest is only hours away.
It is a reminder to his disciples of the importance of faith, a refresher course to keep the basic requirement of faith in the forefront of their minds during the coming tempestuous days. The message is similar to a number of other parables, but it emphasizes the connection between Christ and his followers.
The parable itself is simple enough and doesn’t need much explanation. If we stay faithful, we can feed on Christ’s power; we will be connected to the life giving roots. Although he doesn’t say it here, Christ repeatedly likened his spirit to water; and clearly, water is what a branch cut off from a vine lacks and why it dies.
Two other aspects of the parable are worth special mention. The sense of connection that exists between those who believe in Christ — the church which will form after Christ’s death and ascension — gives a message of unity between all believers. We all feed from the same vine.
Also, the vine brings back memories of Matthew 1 and the passage in Isaiah 11:1 — “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” (An old depiction of the “tree of Jesse” is pictured below, from a medieval manuscript.) Now Christ tells us that the prophecy is about to come to final fulfillment. It is the right bookend to the Hebrew Messiah prophecy; the law has been fulfilled.
Meditation : . Prayer : Now, oh heavenly Father, I ask to be called as a witness to your love by the love I extend to others; a precursor of your justice by my unfailing commitment to what is right and good; a lamp set on a hill, reflecting the light of Christ in my forgiveness, mercy and compassion; and a harvester of souls through my humble and dedicated servanthood. In Jesus’ name, I pray,....Amen |
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