Eastertide

May 2, 2021

Scripture Reading:
John 15:1-8
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. 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.

I fear some have mistaken being chosen, set apart, called whatever word we pick, meaning we are in a higher class than others. More loved, more gifted, more . . . What it usually requires is a lot of dangerous, hard work Loving like Jesus. A few months ago, I read the book Caste by Isabel Wilkerson that describes the caste system at work in the USA. It was emotionally hard to read but well worth the experience. There is nothing I can find in Jesus’ teachings that support a hierarchy of worth. Indeed, just the opposite runs through his words and example. I have probably given this example before, but it bears repeating. The best surgeon in the world would not be successful at saving a life if the person who sanitized the operating room did not do their job well. One of my grandfathers died of sepsis from an unclean tool used to lance a boil.

That said, I do think God sets some apart for particular duties. Paul certainly seems to meet that description. All those who shared Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection with us answer a special call.  Being chosen may result in doing one or more vital specific tasks, but it always means a lifelong commitment to loving God and loving like Jesus wherever it takes us. No Christ-follower serves on their own. We are always linked to that Vine extending from the Vine-Grower who nurtures us to bear much fruit.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for all those who have touched our lives with your love and guided us to recognize the spiritual nourishment we need to answer your call. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.