DAY 5: THE BRANCH CANNOT BEAR FRUIT BY ITSELF
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 10th, 2025
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” – John 15:4
DEVOTION
“Dad, why isn’t it working?” my son asked, pointing at his new remote-controlled car. He knew there was more to the car than just its fast appearance, but no matter how hard he pressed the “go” button on the controller, the car remained still. He looked puzzled. Then it occurred to me—maybe it needs batteries. A-ha! After inserting some AA batteries, the car was ready to go. You should have seen his face when it powered on and took off.
Isn’t this similar to our relationship with Christ, as expressed in John 15:4? Jesus reminds His disciples, “the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine; neither can you, unless you abide in me.” Apart from an abiding relationship with Jesus, we are powerless.
The sobering yet uplifting truth is that we could be the most attractive branch in the world, but we remain ineffective without being powered by the vine. Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that even though He was headed to the cross, would rise from the grave, and ascend back to Heaven, He would continue to be the life-giving source we all need. This is why Paul writes to the Philippian Church: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Paul recognized that his strength to endure the chains of imprisonment came from the true vine—Christ. That same strength is available to us as we remain in Him. It’s less about trying harder and more about relying harder. If you’re feeling powerless and discouraged today, renew your mind by connecting to the vine. In Christ, you have everything you need!
PRAYER
Father, thank You for being my constant source of strength and encouragement. I recognize my inability to produce fruit in my own power. I know I can do all things through You. Fill me afresh today with Your Spirit and bless my intentional times of abiding in You. In Jesus’ name, amen!
NEXT STEP
Carve out some time to intentionally go deeper in your abiding. Spend some increased time in the Bible and journal what He shows you in your time with Him.
2 Comments
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Marvin Mumford Sr.
We must be abide in Jesus, which is our source of power and strength in order to produce fruit and even more fruit. Thank you Jesus that you desire to produce fruit in me, thru me, and for me.
Heiden Ratner
Amen, PM3!