Pentecost
May 20, 2018
Scripture Reading: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. –John 16:4b-11
Our priority as a follower of Christ is following Christ. Maintaining that relationship is the source of all we are and hope to be as a part of the Body of Christ. I just flew coming and going trips with one stop each way and thus heard six times in ten days that if something goes wrong with the pressure in the plane, oxygen masks will drop from the compartment above my seat. It is imperative that we put our mask on first before we attempt to help others put on their masks. The reason is simple if we pass out from lack of oxygen we are no good to help anyone. The same is true of our faith if we do not maintain a strong, healthy relationship with Christ we have nothing to offer others in Christ’s name.
That said, if we abide, I call it staying in synch, with Christ, we will have the constant and steady support of the Holy through any endeavor we instigate in Christ’s name. I take comfort in that because I know I may not be able to do what I see needs to be done by myself and because sometimes what I perceive as necessary may not be and God’s wisdom will guide me appropriately to new actions.
I learned a new song several years ago that I have since claimed as my theme song.
I will do a new thing in you;
I will do a new thing in you;
Whatever you ask for, whatever you pray for,
nothing shall be denied.”
saith the Lord; saith the Lord!*
Prayer: Lord, nourish me so that I can be your conduit of love to others. Amen.
*I Will Do a New Thing In You Audrey Byrd see at https://hymnary.org/text/i_will_do_a_new_thing