From the very beginning it was the purpose of humanity to be fruitful.
Among other things Jesus now here in His intimate conversation with His followers says that He is the Vine. He is the very source by which we can be fruitful. For that to work, we need to be connected. Yet in the context of His command to love that preceded and followed this imagery the ‘connection’ we’re talking about is not just in communication. It is about a desire to know Him deeply and that knowledge to impact and affect every area of life.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:7, 8)
There are some who get excited about the ‘ask what you will and it will be done for you’ aspect of what Jesus says. Some see it as jackpot. The condition for this, however, should reveal a different motivation and a different heart.
His words living in me shapes my character, determines my desires, conforms me to the image of the Son and so puts me on a completely different footing to how I was before I knew Jesus. What do I want? I want to be pleasing to God. What do I want? I want to be fruitful and love others as Christ loves me. What do I want? I want the Kingdom of God to be evident where I live with those around me and beyond. What do I want? I want to emboldened to proclaim the good news of Jesus and live out the truths that are a consequence of that.
Why do I want it? Because His words live in me, draw me closer to Him, allows me to enjoy sweet and deep relationship as brothers and friends going about the same mission – being fruitful.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 