Stay

John 15:2–3 (ESV) Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

We are made to bear fruit. But it happens in relationship with Jesus.


John 15:4 (ESV) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

The word for "Abide" can mean to "stay" or "dwell". Christ commands us to come to Him and stay with Him, letting His Word do the pruning (verse 3) in our lives that makes us more fruitful. 

The Words of Jesus prune us but from what?
They prune us from the secondary affairs of life when only "one thing" is necessary - Christ and His constant companionship. 

I'm amazed at this aspect of Christ. That He would come to dwell with us and call on us to be near Him always. The Lord does not get sick of us. I get sick of myself, God doesn't. How remarkable! He loves to see us draw near to Him. Think of that! The God of the universe wants you to keep coming close to Him. All of the Bible can be summed up in God's coming close to us and calling out to us to come to Him.

That means no matter what others say about you, you are valuable and desirable to God.

Even when Adam and Eve sinned... they ran away, God came and searched them out, "Where are you?" God's nature toward us is one that continually draws us close, seeking to be near us, always calling out to us.

I was watching Barbara Walters on TV today. She was asked who she'd like to have lunch with... her answer was, "Jesus and the Pope." I can't speak for the Pope, but I know what Jesus would say, "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20 (ESV) 

The other day I came home, my 2 year old son called out to me, "Daha!" I said, "Jake, are you calling for me?" "Daha" was the cry once again. I was moved and touched. I bent down to pick him up and squeeze him, to envelop him in my Fatherly affection when my wife broke the news. "He doesn't want you, he's been asking to watch Dora the Explorer for the last 15 minutes." 

How often are we like my 2 year old!
Our Father is moved and longs to be with us. Not that He needs us, He is fine and full apart from us, but His nature and character and being desires us close to Himself. And there we are settling for Dora! . As C.S. Lewis put it, "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

To be fruitful we must remain in Chirst, abide and stay near Him. Which is to first acknowledge He wants to be with us. Are you waning in fruitfulness? Are you tired and exhausted? Let God speak to you. He wants to be with you. Nothing in all creation can separate you.

Jump in.

PRAYER:
Father, I draw near to you as I am, I ask that you clean me up with Your Word and make me to know you more than I ever have before. I draw near to hear what You want to say to me. Amen.