Devotion - Thursday, January 12

In John 15 Jesus uses the image of a grape vine to express the relationship he seeks with us. He says, "I am the true vine." There are many places one might turn, to find a source of life and meaning, but Jesus invites us to find that source in him and in his words.

Not merely in him, but in the one who sent him. He may be the vine, but he reminds us, "My father is the vine dresser."

He then outlines his relationship with us. He says, "I am the the vine, you are the branches."

Apart from the vine, the branches wither and die. The branches depend upon the vine for their nutrients. Only the vine is rooted in the soil.

At our LCM Leadership Team meeting on Tuesday, I was trying to share an idea with the Team members. I wanted to explore with them ways in which LCM-C might support the "branches" which have become known to us. Not all branches will be connected to the vine in the same way. Too often we (me and the LCM Leadership Team) act as if there is only one way to be connected - we want those branches to become involved in our activities and ministries. We need to remember that there are other ways to be connected; and we need to find a way to support all those options.

Some will find their connection through service. They will discover that in serving others, they are strengthened in their connection to the vine which gives them life and sustenance.

Others will be connected through personal prayer and devotion. There is not always a direct correlation between the number of hours spent in "church" and the amount of time spent in private study and prayer.

In whatever way you (as one of the branches) is connected to the vine, strengthen that connection. Be affirmed in your own way of interacting with God, depending upon God, and striving to do God's will. But stay connected. Apart from the vine, we can do nothing.