For the next 15 weeks we will be writing reflections based on the scripture passage, John 15:1-15 and its theme, Abiding in the Vine. We will take one verse per week and invite you to join us in first meditating and digesting this passage slowly using lectio divina and then read the reflection. Our writers will be sharing testimony of how this scripture has impacted their lives personally.
For those new to our community, lectio divina is a traditional monastic practice of engaging with Scripture not just for intellectual understanding but to allow the Word of God to speak to the heart and transform our lives. It involves prayerfully reading the scripture four times, pausing to notice the following:
- Read the verse and listen for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights for you.
- Read the verse and ask the question, how is my life touched by this word? What in my life needs to hear this word?
- Read the verse and ask what is my response to God because of what I have read and encountered? What am I feeling, talk to God about it, listen to Him, feel His uninterrupted love and attention toward you and follow His lead in any way He is prompting you to respond.
- Read and rest in the Word and resolve to live it out.
Listen:
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT)
Reflect:
This scripture starts with an affirmation, “Yes”! Jesus reaffirms to the disciples that he is the vine and that they are the branches. The branches that are well connected to the vine bear much fruit. I recently relocated back to Kenya after 25 years in Geneva, working and living there. In this transition period, I am learning and relearning many things as I settle down to a different life in many ways.
This afternoon, I was observing a plant called pathos generally referred to as “money plant” in my house. I noted that a very key branch of the plant has been disconnected from the main plant. As beautiful as it has been clipping along the wall, it has started to wither slowly. It has no food to sustain its life because it is cut from the source of its being. Just like the word says, this branch is dying and it will dry and loose its usefulness to decorate and to release freshness in the house.
Likewise, as Christians, we can be disconnected from God and we walk through dry seasons even without knowing. We can be withering slowly and finally we become fruitless. Still doing church and all other activities, we can be separated from the vine. We should consciously examine ourselves and make sure that Christ is still in the center in our lives. We thank God for the blood of Jesus that enables us to reconnect and bear fruit again.
How can we reconnect to the vine? Through prayer, repentance, praising God and accepting that we are in a withering season and he will revive and reconnect us to the vine. Always being conscious that we abide in the true vine. We are usually tempted to focus in other niceties of life and neglect the most important thing of seeking the kingdom, and in this case staying connected to Christ and everything else will be added unto us. Christ came and gave us the privilege of being one with him and he is one with God the father. This is the formula that Jesus left to remind us on how to remain connected to him. Then our joy will be full in him.
Prayer of Response:
Lord, thank you for remaining my vine. Thank you for choosing us as part of branches across the globe. May we not be withering slowly like the pathos plant in my house. Our opportunities are so many when we abide in you Lord.
Help us when we grow weary to get back on our feet and reconnect back to you. You are our only hope and we desire to stay close to you. In Jesus name we pray! Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- Where are you today in terms of abiding in Christ?
- What areas of your life would you like Christ to touch to help you reconnect?
- Would you bring a sacrifice of praise to Christ to acknowledge him as the true vine?
Breath Prayers:
As a new weekly rhythm, join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale(Breathe in): Yes, You are the vine, Lord
Exhale(Breathe out): I come to you as Your branch
Inhale(Breathe in): Abiding in You
Exhale(Breathe out): To bear much fruit.
—Submitted by: Elizabeth Gachuiri
Elizabeth has recently relocated from Geneva to Nairobi Kenya and lives with her husband James. They have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. In a transition mode now and settling back in Kenya after 25 years career at the United Nations in Geneva office. Waiting on the Lord for the next steps and trusting God for LSM Nairobi scheduled for September 2026.
Feature photo: Pothos plant, courtesy Terri La Brie