Day 7: God's delight

Today's reading is from John 15: 5-8

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father." (New Living Translation)

Jesus' teaching to his disciples the night of his arrest reminds me of the delight he must have had with his disciples. Here they were, three years of being with him, listening to his teachings, watching him as he ministered in the realm of the Kingdom.

Jesus came to do what neither Israel, nor any human system could do. He is the vineyard, and he promises "much fruit" in his followers. The invitation is to "attach" to the vine, stay - abide - in him, because in that great fruit bearing will occur.

This is not about salvation, but rather, it is about abundance of living, the fruit bearing that brings freedom and confidence in Christ. That is the question - how do we choose to stay attached to Christ. It is God's delight to create Christ-likeness in us. It is God's delight to show us off to the world - even the unseen world. As Jesus' followers we are invited to "stay" and "bear fruit". Wow.

One practice that I engage in during Lent - more than during other times of the year - is fasting. Fasting is abstaining from anything that I regularly make a part of my life, for the sake of turning that time over to God. Fasting can be in any number of things. Most people know that fasting from food is the main one. If medically you can do that, it is a great way to take the time of food preparing and eating and using it for a God time. Some people can't medically do fasting from food easily, so don't think you have to. Many people choose something in food to fast from (like desserts, sweets in general, coffee - ouch)
Fasting from technology, from entertainment (including TV), from shopping, etc...are also good, if the goal is to take the time and give it to God.

The point isn't that I become holier than others; no, rather it is to awaken my soul, my spirit, and body to abiding in Christ.

Peace

If you're reading through the Bible in a year with me, read: Joshua 19, 20, 21 today.


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