“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:1-4 NKJV
This portion of scripture here reminds me of a old saying a ‘flash in the pan’.
Flintlock muskets used to have small pans to hold charges of gunpowder. An attempt to fire the musket in which the gunpowder flared up without a bullet being fired was a ‘flash in the pan’.
Here is the meaning of the saying:
1. A thing or person whose sudden but brief
success is not repeated or repeatable.
2. A sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing.
Jesus did not desire for those that love Him to only have purpose, peace, and joy for a season. He never wanted their love for Him to fizzle out and just be a ‘flash in the pan’. Jesus was encouraging His followers to remain in their relationship with Him forever. He knew that as long as His people never left their faith in Him that God the Father would do something special with their lives. A life of fruitfulness. A life of depth, and meaning. In Christ we find our true purpose, and through Him we are effective.
True friendship and relationships are created over years of cheers, tears, joy, and pain. Jesus called His followers His friends, and loved them so much He was willing to suffer death on the cross for not only their sins, but all of humanity. Jesus wanted this love to be passed on through the good news of His gospel. He desired that His followers truly experience love, joy, and peace in Him, and share it with the world. As disciples of Christ we are called to make more disciples. To lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and help them grow in God. To grow in love, compassion, commitment , and character.
If you you already know Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior I pray that you will remain in a committed, fruitful relationship with Him that can never be filled by anyone, or anything else.
We discover what we were made for when we come to Jesus. Our gifting and talents flourish when used for the glory of God. When we repent from our sins, and are born again He changes us from the inside out. Makes us a new creation. Gives us a clean new heart. Makes us whole. Then can He use us to reach our families, loved ones, community, and the world.
Only you know what you have experienced in this life, and what you are going through right now as you read this. If you are searching for more. If you are seeking, and wondering about the point to your life. I encourage you to turn to Jesus the one who desires to have a eternal relationship with you. Jesus desires to help you, love you, and use you for what you were created for.
Shawn Griffin
