Abide!

Abide!

John 15:4 AMP

[4] Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.

John is the one writer whose records focus on the teachings of Jesus a bit more than the records of Matthew, Mark and Luke. From when Jesus came into Bethany in chapter 12 to before he was betrayed in chapter 18, we see words upon words of Jesus, teaching His disciples about the present and future realities and demands of the kingdom of God. One of his teachings to His disciples then and to us today is the importance of abiding and remaining IN Him. As we have noted in a few devotions over the past few days, there is a big need for me to sort out my identity and the priorities that hold my heart. The place I live in and contribute to will in turn hold benefits or disadvantages to me. If I settle in a place where there is constant bitterness, rage and malice, I had better be sure that before long, that which is happening around me will find its way into me. This is one of the most important security measures I must take to guard my life. 

I cannot afford to be constantly in and around the things that limit the manifestation of the presence of God. I cannot afford to be fine and comfortable in a place where God is not able to show up. He is Omnipresent, but He cannot show Himself strong in the lives of those who are comfortable in sin. He loves the sinner; of that, there is no doubt, when you consider the price He paid to secure the life of the sinner, but He will not condone the sin. One way to constantly secure the presence and help of God is to abide IN Him, or as the version above says, remain IN Him. It is not the seasonal wonder, where I come in and go out as and when I please, but the constant engagement with God, seeking His help and support on a regular basis. If I have truly seen the value of being IN God, there can no offer or argument that is strong enough to pull me away from Him. What can this insecure and temporary world offer me that is permanent? 

One benefit of remaining IN Him is fruit bearing. A man cannot be connected to the never-failing spring of life and not have results that will prove that connection. You are not able to find a branch bearing fruit by itself without it being attached to a source that provides the right nourishment and nurture for it to thrive. You are not able to find a person who is able to thrive by being on his own. God in His wisdom has not made a self-sufficient creation like Himself, but He has placed all of His resources at our disposal, so we can make good use of them for His glory and for the benefit of the world we have been placed in. It will be a disaster for anyone to think s/he will survive outside of God's limits and provision. I cannot bear fruit except I am connected to the enabler of fruit bearing. Do not go seeking help where there is none. No one can give you what s/he does not have in abundance. In God is the fullness of all of life and Godliness. Stay connected; your eternity will be glad you did. God's time of favour is here.