Abiding in Love, Bearing Fruit (MPLS)

John 10:11–18

Jesus said: ”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just 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. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson
This is such a beautiful metaphor for Jesus and for our relationship with God, and a beautiful season in which to hear it. My garden is mostly bare this spring. The tulips are up, but none of my wildflower seeds have sprouted. None of my perennials and ferns and berry bushes have much to show for themselves. By late April I am antsy for color and the full bloom of spring, but it will not be rushed. The vines and roots are there. The networks of fuel and nutrients are there. The connections this flora needs to flourish is there. It does not need me to fuss this week so much as it needs me to wait in trust, to give thanks for what already is and what will be.

Jesus invites us to abide, to remain and rest and live and dwell and be fully present in relationship with the True Vine. Jesus invites us to have faith in the Vinegrower’s time and talent for gardening, for pruning and preparing us to bear good fruit. Because this is how love grows, wild and holy.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• How have you experienced pruning in your life this year?
• What do you need to whither and burn away?
• Where do you see good fruit growing?

Prayer:
Gardening God, may the seasons of Jesus keep us firmly rooted in your love, and give us the courage to abide, to grow and bear fruit, to tangle and reach into all the world. Amen.