“Just as the branch is unable to bear fruit by itself if it does not remain in the vine, so also you if you do not remain in Me” (Jn.15:4)

The dried out twig snapped easily, succumbing to the pressure of cruel fingers. It had never envisioned that its life would end this way. No one ever does. Not so long ago the twig was filled with green leaves that danced gracefully with the gentle winds. Even when harsher winds blew, it had learned to hang tenaciously to the branch that had given it life. As the seasons warmed to the gentle sun, the twig would kneel before the branch, its luscious fruit bowed before the majesty of the branch that gave it life. Once life had flowed from the branch into the twig. Now it lay barren and dry. With a flick of the fingers, the twig is tossed into the fire, never more to be remembered.

Jesus used this analogy, in John 15, to remind His hearers (and us) that we do not bear spiritual life in and of ourselves. Our life comes from Christ. Spiritual life flows through Him (the vine) and into us (the branches). It is He that brings life and vitality to the believer. It is He that enables the disciple to do true spiritual work (apart from Me You can do nothing – 5). He states unequivocally that prayer is answered (7) and fruit borne (8), by those who draw their life from Him, who remain in Him and find rest in Him alone.

The twig, that so easily snapped because of its barrenness, never planned to end its life this way. Somehow, in someway, it lost its connection to the branch. It may have been a slow decline, a hardening so that the life flow was squeezed into a trickle until it ceased. Maybe it was quick. Regardless, the twig that once danced in the sunlight now bears no fruit, no leaves, no life.

The Psalmist states this need not be. Even in old age, one can still bear fruit, staying fresh and green (92:14). Though life may offer differing challenges, it need not lessen spiritual vitality. In fact, it ought to enhance it. With the richness of the years, the experiences gleaned, the deepening of one’s prayer life, the clearer understanding of the truths of Scripture the time-tested saint can continue to dance to the winds of His presence. The seasoned saint will be like “a tree planted, bearing fruit in season, with leaves that do not wither” (1:3). From a life well-lived in His presence, others will “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps.34:8). There is no end for those who stay attached to the vine, for “His faithfulness extends to all generations” (Ps.119:90).

Life-drawing; life-giving; Life-extending.

Blessings!