The Vine: April 28, 2025

“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”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

“ O taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
for those who fear him have no want.
The young lions suffer want and hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

— Psalm 34:8-10

One of my favorite quotes comes from Sri Lankan Pastor D. T. Niles when he said, “Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” It’s a simple, yet profound quote reminding us that we are all in need of the grace of God, and we all have an opportunity to point others towards the source. In today’s scripture we see David doing just that- pointing others to the grace that he has received. Through his life experience he has seen the goodness of God and knows the impact it has made in his life. Despite being faced with difficult circumstances at the time of this passage, David expresses what he knows to be true- God is good, and to follow Him is a wise venture. In this moment he shares what he has received and in doing so plants a seed in the lives of others.

None of us do faith on our own. We all have had seeds of faith planted in us by others, and God is faithful to make those seeds grow. And as we have had seeds planted in our life, we have the opportunity to plant seeds in the lives of others. This opportunity must be one we take seriously, although it may not always have a serious form. Sometimes it’s making someone smile after a long day. Other times it’s slowing down to spend time with those we love. In every opportunity where we interact with others we have the opportunity to plants seeds of God’s goodness and in doing so we are sharing our faith.

Prayer:

God as we go into this week reveal to us opportunities for sharing our faith both big and small. Allow us to be mindful of the people who have planted seeds in our lives, and the moments where we can plant seeds of faith in others. Give us courage to share the good news that we have received, and cast out our own insecurities that may hinder us as we point others to you.

In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen.