I'm a sucker for allegory. Could quite possibly be my favorite to read. Drawing from the substance of familiar life, one can bring an idea to bear in a special way, unfolding meaning and truths that are cloaked in beautiful imagery. Jesus mastered this literary device...not surprising, being the Word made flesh, but dang he is GOOD!
While in Brazil, where distractions were limited, time passed leisurely, and my heart was focused, I was able to savor this Word that truly is sweeter than honey to the taste. While preparing to lead the morning's devotional, my eyes landed on John 15."That's it! We’ll talk about botany." I love this passage. It's all good, but man, I love the depth and richness of these verses.
1-11: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 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. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Jesus calls himself the true vine, which at first glance seems normal enough, but upon further pondering I begin to see humility flow from his words. Jesus, God incarnate, is pleased to speak of himself as a part of his own creation, a lowly vine. What a humble comparison.
God is the gardener, Jesus is the vine. What about me? Well, it’s not...
Graced with reality’s perspective, smallness ensues. Life is NOT
about me, or us for the matter, but about Him. These verses help me remember my position before God: He is above all, Creator, Master, Lord and Savior. AND, though this life’s not about me, the Father chose to draw me, who was once far, very near to himself. “Every branch
in me...” O the sweetness those words possess. Jesus calls us into himself and transports us into a relationship of favor with our heavenly Father. Think about this: as branches, we are made up of the very DNA of the vine we’re a part of. The very DNA of Jesus!
“If . . . my words abide in you."
Abide, what does that really mean anyway?
I believe this means that the words of Jesus take root in us and bear fruit. I'm no linguistics wizard, but when I think of the word
abide, a similar word
abode also comes to mind. Dwelling. His words find a home in us, and they fit cozily; they really belong. Recently I’ve been preparing to move across town and have been doing some Spring cleaning. In much the same way, we’ve go to do some rearranging and getting rid of things so that the word has room and “feels at home.” The words of Jesus don't abide without effect. This is a distinction that I missed for years. I just need to read my bible more, that's my problem. No, I need to abide. Yes, to read my Bible, but in such a way as to have the words of Jesus take root and bear the fruits of faith and holiness in my life.
Prune away, great God, for your own glory and my good. Please bring forth much fruit and joy. The word of Christ brings life as it works grace, and works out corruption. Thank you for life-giving allegory.
After an eventful first day of flights, bumpy and winding van rides, and temperature adjustment, we were welcomed to our pousada by the generous staff. Quick snack of fresh guarana juice, nap, lunch, then off to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). Pictures do not do any justice to the beauty one drinks in from atop the summit. The glass-paneled cable cars proved nerve-wracking for some, but offered great 360 views of the surrounding city. Knowing that I was peering down at millions of lives being lived out at that very moment was humbling. The church gathering was beautiful; worshiping Jesus with other believers in Portugese continues to expand my view and understanding of how immense He is. Tomorrow begins our vacation Bible school in a favela in Niteroi. Please pray for the little ones and for grace to recognize children as capable of authentic faith. From Brasil, for the glory of God...boa noite.
