I AM THE VINE

 

APRIL 29.

I am the vine, ye are the branches.
John 15:5

 

JESUS often uses nature to illustrate grace.
 
Here he compares himself to the vine,
  his people to the branches;
  thus setting forth the union that exists between them.
 
The whole tree depends on one root, and
  the whole church depends on the Lord Jesus;
  all saving benefits flow to every saint from him.
 
He possesses and communicates all that is necessary
  to quicken, support, enlighten, and strengthen us.
 
From him we receive all our wisdom and righteousness, and
  sanctification, by which we are distinguished from the world.
 
The root constantly supplied the branches, and
  so does the Lord Jesus constantly supply his saints.
 
Beloved, if we are true believers we are one with Christ,
  as the branch is one with the tree;
  we received from Christ,
  as the branch received from the root;
  and we are like Christ,
    as the branch is like the tree.
 
United to Christ,
  we partake of his nature,
   receive from his fullness,
    depend on his faithfulness, and
      bring forth fruit to praise his praise.
 
Without union to Christ,
  there is no good fruit; and
    without good fruit,
      there is no union to Christ.
 
Let us therefore examine this morning,
  Are we one with Christ?
 
 

Is he a vine? His heavenly root

Supplies the boughs with life and fruit;

O let a lasting union join

My soul to Christ the living vine!

 
James Smith 1849