Who is the True Vinedresser?
Wednesday, February 8
“He who abides in Me, and I in him…” (John 15:5b)
The context of this passage is Jesus’ Upper Room discourse.
This is the last night before Jesus would be crucified. Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared, readying for the next very difficult hours. They will face His arrest, crucifixion and death.
Sunday is coming, but the night will get a lot darker before the light will break through.
Facing His death, Jesus’ words are pregnant with meaning.
Two-thousand years later, we can take His words to heart. But what does it mean to abide in Christ Jesus. Even though we cannot see Jesus, we too abide in Him. To abide means to live, continue, or remain.
In Romans, Paul tells us that there is “no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). Quite literally, Paul is instructing his readers to remain, to put their trust in Jesus. In Christ, we find life and freedom.
This is as true today as it was in that difficult time facing the disciples. “I am with you always,” Jesus said, “even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). We can hold on to this promise knowing He is Immanuel (God with us).
Prayer for the Day: Father, You are the God who is present. You have promised to be with us even to the end of the age. Upon this promise I can trust You are with me even in the darkest times of my life. Like the disciples, facing the darkest night in history, the resurrection of your Son shows us that Sunday is coming. Help me no matter what I may be facing now or anytime in my life to know and trust that You are always with me. Thank You, Lord, my Immanuel. In Jesus holy name. – Amen.
Personal Prayer: “Lord Jesus, You ask – “Who do you say that I am?” Lord, open my mind so I can understand who You are, and who I am in You.”