Vine

<<climbing plant>>

The grape vine, producing fresh grapes, wine and raisins, is one of the most common plants mentioned in the Bible, and is still cultivated widely in the Mediterranean region.

Jesus called Himself ‘the true vine’, God the Father ‘the gardener’, and His followers ‘the branches’ – like a branch we must ‘abide in the vine’ in order to be fruitful (Jn 15:1-11). Jesus emphasised the essential requirement for us as believers to be truely connected in an ongoing relationship to be nourished and sustained to enable the all important fruit –

Is the life-giving sap flowing freely into my life?

just being in the vicinity of the vine is not sufficient for this to take place. Is my spirit receiving daily sustenance from Christ through the Holy Spirit? It is impossible to produce godly fruit or even remain alive if separated from the only life-source available which is Jesus who said, "Apart from me you can do nothing". We will also be subject to divine pruning to remove unhealthy and unproductive areas, besides stimulating growth to be more fruitful. Do not resent the discipline or challenging work of the Holy Spirit within, instead welcome and co-operate with Him in His plan, for increased fruitfulness with its eternal rewards. His energy will keep flowing into and through us as long as we "abide" in Him.

See also: connection, fruit, pruning, vineyard, wine.