John 15:1-11
Be Still: Lord, make me aware of your presence here with me. Thank you that your Word is alive and breathing; would you use it to speak to me now. Amen
Read: John 15:1-11
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (v10)
Encounter: John 15 contains some of the best known teachings of Jesus, his farewell speech, and arguably some of his most loved words - ‘Remain in me as I also remain in you.’ What a beautiful thought, to remain, abide, dwell in the Lord Jesus and he in us. A picture of continuous, enduring intimacy. To fully know and be known. And as we remain, his promise to us is we grow spiritual fruit. We cannot remain unchanged in his presence, but the very act of simply abiding causes us to grow and change, to become more like him.
As I said, a beautiful thought, but harder to execute. How often throughout our busy days do we find ourselves abiding? With so many competing attachments, louder, more tempting voices vying for our attention, we can find ourselves struggling to 'remain', and therefore struggling to bear the fruit that’s promised.
Jesus, always with kindness, spells it out for us: ‘If you keep my commands you will remain in my love’. I’ve heard it said that the love language of God is obedience. We see it all through scripture -- the Lord delights when we listen to his voice and follow his instruction. Intimacy is forged in trust, and trust is forged in habitual obedience. It doesn’t always make sense to us, but we rest in the knowledge that as we obey, we draw closer to him and become more like him. We remain when we obey.
Apply: Take a moment to pray – God, what are you asking of me today? Where can I be obedient to you and your Word? It could be in the big or the seemingly small, but know that he delights in every moment of your obedience to him.
Devote: Jesus, would you give me ears to hear when you're speaking and obedience to follow where you are leading. I lay down my own desires and pick up yours. I want to remain in you, as you also remain in me.
