Jesus is Essential
John 15:7–8: If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
What fruit specifically did Jesus choose to mention on this occasion? “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (v. 7). An empowered prayer life. As we pray, we abide. As we abide, we pray more, and more deeply.
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (v. 8). The Father is glorified. Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches, the Father is the Gardener. Everything the Father and Son do is geared to enhance our abiding and our fruitfulness. With each trimming, may there be more of Christ in us, for God’s glory and the blessing of others! 1
Walking with Jesus
The Father is wanting you to be a fruit bearing branch in His Kingdom on earth. We bear fruit by abiding in Him. What type of fruit have you been bearing recently? How often do you take in the water of the word? How often do you remove the weeds of worldliness and unbelief around you? How does abiding help you know how to pray?
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16
An abiding relationship with Him dramatically changes our prayer life.
Praying
Lord, teach me how to rest in You, as I abide in You.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
