Have you ever rubbed shoulders with a celebrity or some other important, recognizable, or well-known person? A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet with a person that is pretty recognizable in both the Christian and secular world. I was excited when the person gave me their number and said “feel free to call whenever.” I won’t lie, it actually made me feel important. But, when I tried to take him up on the offer to connect, I didn’t get any thing back from the other end. Or, at least not in the way I was expecting. In the end, I found out from his secretary that he is a very busy person, in high demand, and doesn’t really have time.
In John 15 we are reading the words of arguably THE MOST FAMOUS MAN IN HISTORY! You could also add to that: the busiest, the most in demand, the most sought after, the most controversial, the Most High God!
Yet, in these verses, I hope you hear an invitation. I hope you see the calendar invite. I hope you are able to imagine Jesus saying these words to you, “remain in me.”
Let me put this phrase to in some other ways:
Stay with me. Don’t go anywhere else. Make yourself at home with me. Draw near to me. Come to me. Be with me. Let’s go for a walk. Let’s spend some time together. Give me your attention. Incline your ear to me. Let’s meet for coffee. Let’s hang out. Let’s get together.
There are so many awesome things about God. But, the most fascinating thing about God is that HE . . . wants to meet . . . with YOU! He wants to be with you. He’s not looking to just use you for His glory. He wants to partner with you. In fact the whole story of the Bible is God’s desire to connect with us. Meditate on these words: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (John 15:9).
For reflection:
- Each Sunday we include discussion questions on the sermon insert that can be used for deeper reflection and/or small group discussions. Take time to read through those questions today. You can find a digital version online at eastbrook.org/TreeandVine.
by Will Branch
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