At our former house, my husband built a fire pit out in our backyard with the intention of burning limbs, grass, and yard debris. He’s become quite a gardener since we moved into our house. He cleared some branches from a stand of maple trees at the edge of our property and tossed them into the fire pit with intentions of burning them.
A few important things such as golfing and fishing delayed him so the branches remained in the pit for well over a week. The dying limbs and leaves caught my attention sparking a spiritual message.
In John 15, Jesus says: 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. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
My husband’s branches grew dry, discolored, and brittle and would soon die—much less have a chance to bear leaves again. Oh, that sounds kind of sad. But that’s what happens when we do our own thing and ignore God’s word.
God loves us and calls us to abide in Him. Let’s remain attached to the True Vine.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7
Dear Lord, I want to remain in You all my life. In You alone is joy, peace, and rest. Amen.