John 15:1,4, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ... Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me."
John15:16-17, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."
An apple seed is planted in the ground with love and care. Day after day, the planter returns to water it, carefully watching the ground, waiting to see a sign of growth. Nothing happens for a couple of weeks until one day it finally sprouts. But it takes eight years for the tree to bear fruit - finally fulfilling its purpose.
Jesus often spoke in parables, and His imagery of a vine and its branches is key when considering our purpose in this world. Jesus is our vine, and we are His branches. We cannot bear fruit on our own - we must be connected to Christ!
As Christians, our lives are no longer our own. The moment we give our lives to Jesus, our life trajectory changes. Instead of being inwardly focused on our own desires, we should be living for Christ. Our purpose is no longer wrapped up in self-ambition but in pleasing God and making Him known!
We are not lone-standing apple trees, waiting years to bear fruit; Christ has chosen us to flourish with purpose, and God wants to work through you right now! How can you "branch out" and share Jesus' love with the world around you?
Go outside and look around. Take note of plants that are sprouting. Do they have everything they need to thrive? Absence of weeds, plenty of water, and the right amount of sunlight? Then do the same inventory in your life. Are you at a place spiritually where you're set for growth and bearing fruit? What needs to change?
Father, Thank You for choosing me and filling my life with purpose. Forgive me when I focus on myself instead of abiding in You. I pray that You would use me to bear fruit today. How can I share Your love with those around me? How can I grow in my walk with You so that I hear Your voice clearer when You call? I hold nothing back from Your touch, Lord. Be glorified in me! In Jesus' name, Amen.