Withered and Dead

You know those passages that seem so new each time you read them, even though you've read them before? They are like a fresh drink of water after hot day in the sun. Refreshing and renewing.

One of those passages for me is John 15:1-8.

The Vine and the Branches.

It is such a profound explination of who God is and who we are.

He is the true gardener. The one who waters, causes growth, prunes and cleans, and benefits from the fruit.

He is the Vine. The strength, our roots, our source of life.

We are simply branches. Small offshoots of who he is.

Without the vine we are withered and dead. A dry and crunchy leaf underneath a flourishing tree.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing

Apart from Jesus we are nothing. We are withered and dead.

The times I spend doing thing in my own strength I am dead. I am the fallen leaf, the branch with no life, fruitless.

I long for life again. I desire to be green and lucious, full of fruit destined for my Father's glory.

Yet how can a dead, fallen branch return to a living vine?

It seems the impossible needs to be done.

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies.

The impossible has been done.

Though I constantly yield to my flesh, Jesus restores my death.

Jesus gathers the dead branches, the crunchy leaves, the withered flowers and carefully places them back onto the tree of life.

By the word of the Father life is given.

Grace. Life. Restoration.

This is the gospel.

Though I constantly die, Jesus constantly brings life.

Please watch this video by my friend Laura. I truly believe this is something that every believer needs to know.

I pray you will find life in Jesus this week. May he restore you to the tree of life so that you will bear much fruit. May you walk closely with Him, abiding in His word and letting Him guide your days. Love you sweet friends.