The Real Root of the Matter

In the Gospel of John (chapter 15), Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit…”

In other words, those who tap into this vine will find strength and nourishment – not just for themselves – but for others.

When I think about this metaphor, I think about people I know who have an inner strength: People who weather the storms of life well, people who have a deep sense of integrity, people who make a difference in the lives of others. When I see people like that, in the time I have on Earth, I think I want to live like that. I want to be like that.

New Testament Scholar Dale Bruner translates the verse like this, “I, I am the real Root of the Matter, and my Father is the Orchardist.

The Root of the Matter! If we can only tap into the root, that’s where the nourishment and strength come from…

On the other side of this, I think about those dry times in life, times when the nourishment is lacking. I’m reminded of those moments when you feel tired, burned out… When you think, “I can’t handle one more thing. I can’t handle one more complaint. I can’t handle one more person in my life falling apart. I don’t think I have it in me.”

I can almost hear Jesus say, “Abide in me. I will give you the strength.”

There are other times when maybe you feel guilty for not doing more, or times when you wish we were better at what you do.

Jesus says, Abide in me. There is a deep well.

I think also of those moments when everything seems to be falling apart, or the bills are piling up, or a loved one is sick…

Jesus says, abide in me…Abide…

I wonder what it looks like for you to abide with Christ.

However that might look, today I pray that you would accept his invitation.

Let us pray: So often, O God, we go through life without pausing to reflect on what’s happening inside us. This past year we’ve carried a heavy load. We’ve been through so much. Grant us the grace we need to stop and sit in your presence, even for a few moments. We ask that you would meet us there, in that silence. Fill us with the strength and courage and patience we need to face the day. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.