Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4
The hours before Gethsemane..…the arrest…..the horrors of man’s prejudice and hatred at its very worst…..
Jesus has had His final meal with His dear comrades, those He has prepared to continue the work He began and will lay down His life to preserve and grow. His message is to love one another and remain in the One they will soon know as The Christ.
Remain: To stay, wait and continue on. The disciples had to stay when Jesus went. They had to sort things out and continue on their mission while waiting on their LORD’s return. BUT Jesus said, “And I will remain in you!” Jesus committed to staying. It will be in a manner yet incomprehensible to these men, BUT DON’T MISS THIS! JESUS COMMITTED TO STAYING! In the heart of man.
The focus of our thoughts should not be consumed with the absence of God in humanity, but rather the absolute presence of the promised companionship, the continuing, unbroken relationship of a staying and continuing Spirit of our Holy God.
Tis the season to be overwhelmed with needs that cannot be fulfilled alone. Jesus has remained by means of His Spirit. Feel it! Access it and use it and you will find, the fruits of the Spirit.
Love,
Gretchen