#JESUS2019 - Daily Devotionalsनमूना

To understand this statement, we need the same background knowledge as the listeners of the time. Many of them were working on vineyards in Jesus’ time. 

For non-winegrowers: the vine is the trunk of the plant with its roots. It carries the nutrients and water from the soil to the branches. Jesus makes a very strong claim about himself: “I am the root of your life. I am the root of all life. Do you want to do good? I am the roots, your trunk.”

God is the winegrower. He loves getting the best out of you. He cares for you, talks to you, prunes you and blesses you. He only has one goal: “What can I contribute so that you can bring forth much fruit?”

However, there is one thing we must learn first: As a Christian producing fruit is not your primary task. Nor is making your church grow. All of this is ‘merely’ a by-product of a Jesus-centered life.

Jesus says: “Come, hang out on my vine. My home is your home.” It is all about being at home with Jesus. A home is your place of retreat. It is a place of security, peace, well-being, intimacy… You know your way around Jesus’ home. You don’t need Google Maps to find the fridge, because you are not a visitor: it is your private address. The place to recharge your batteries. You feel comfortable in his presence. You are free to be yourself. At home you wear whatever you want. 

ACTION STEP:

How can you ‘be at home’ with Jesus today, when it comes to your thoughts and time?

Try to stay connected with Jesus in your thoughts and ‘hang out’ with him today. And become honest, absorb nutrients and receive ideas, with the goal of simply becoming ‘full’. Jesus nourishes, the father nurtures.

Jörg Gräfingholt - ICF Freiburg