Vine and Branches | April 6th

 “I am the vine; you are the branches.”

  John 15:8

  Beloved, there is only one vine in this life; everyone else is a branch. When Jesus described Himself as the only source of life for our faith and Christian living, He not only identified Himself as the exclusive source but also claimed it. In doing this, He excluded us and everyone else from being the vine.

  This is important to know for our well-being. First, we would not assume responsibility for others, no matter how much we love them. We cannot be the ultimate source for others' joy, peace, and encouragement. There is only one Almighty God. Able to meet the deepest needs of the soul and heart. Never take this upon yourself.

  While this is true for us, we should not put that expectation on others. Do not expect someone else to make you happy. To be the source of your peace or the strength of your life. It is unfair to put that on someone who is only a branch like yourself. It is unhealthy for you and for them. It is another form of idolatry. We will improperly view them, and when they fail, because they will, we will be angry and critical of a branch that was never meant to be the vine.

  Abide in Christ today. You and everyone around you who are children of God are only branches. Each branch is receiving life from Christ. He is the only vine.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight