Daily RebellionSample

Day 6: Lessons in Horticulture

Vineyards tell a story. The rows of carefully tended vines, the pruning shears in the gardener’s hand, the fruit that comes only after seasons of patience—every part of the process reveals a truth Jesus wanted His followers to understand. That’s why, on the night before His crucifixion, He told His disciples: “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV).

Abiding in Jesus isn’t about gritting your teeth and working harder. It’s about remaining connected—allowing His life to flow through you the way sap flows from vine to branch. “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine” (John 15:4, NIV). This is why soul care matters so deeply: without pausing to stay attached to Him, we dry out.

But remaining in Him isn’t always comfortable. The Father, the Master Gardener, prunes His branches—not to harm them, but to make them even more fruitful. That pruning might mean letting go of habits, attitudes, or distractions that keep your soul from thriving. In the moment, it may feel like loss. In time, it will prove to be growth.

Jesus makes it simple: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (John 15:9, NIV). Remaining is less about trying to “get it right” and more about making space for relationship. It’s walking with Him through the day, speaking honestly in prayer, listening for His voice, and resting in His presence.

And here’s the result: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete… Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends… This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:11, 13, 17, NIV). Abiding love never stops with you—it always moves outward.

That love flows from a God who delights in His people. “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you… He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV). When we pause long enough to remain in Him, we begin to hear that song over our lives—one of love, joy, peace, and belonging.

When you pause to remain in Christ, the fruit of that abiding—love, joy, peace, patience—becomes nourishment for others. Pruned branches bear more fruit. Connected branches stay alive. Loving branches share what they’ve received.

Reflection:
Where is God inviting you to remain in Him this week? What might He be pruning in your life so that more fruit can grow?