January 29 THE TRUE VINE "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NKJV). Throughout the Bible and Jewish literature, the vine is a popular symbol of union and fruitfulness (see John 15:1-17). The Jews regarded it as the most noble of plants. It represented majesty, excellence, prosperity, and joy. Jesus here portrayed Himself as the genuine vine. He is more than the vine; He is the true vine. This qualification denotes that union with God is found exclusively in Jesus Christ as the only true vine. Only through a living connection with the genuine stock is there salvation and oneness with God. As the true vine, Christ is the source of spiritual energy, oneness with God, and fruit-bearing. Christ's followers are branches whose life-giving union and fruitfulness depend on their connection with the true vine. Through this spiritual union, the believer maintains spiritual vitality, vigorous growth, and prolific fruit-bearing (see John 15:4, 5). All the blessings, privileges, and virtues of the Christian life are the direct results of unbroken union with Christ, the true vine. Union with Christ also ensures union with one another. "By the figure of the vine and the branches, Christ illustrated not only the relation that should exist between Him and His followers, but also the union between every believer and his fellow believer. Each must be dependent alike on the vine for sustenance; and must be joined to the parent stock."--Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 362. My Prayer Today: Lord, as a branch of Your creation, I seek to be permanently united to the true vine. Amen!