The Vine: Feb. 12, 2024
“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”
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.)
“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”
One of the things we do in our staff meetings at the beginning of the month is pass out index cards with each of our names printed on them. We select a card randomly, and commit to pray for the person whose name we drew for the entire month. There are no instructions on what to pray for or when to pray, etc. We simply lift that person in prayer each day. It is a constant reminder that we are not just co-workers in the church, but just as God has called the church to care and pray for one another, we too as a staff should do the same.
One of the marks of the early Church in the first century was love. They were literally known in the community as those who loved one another deeply. In our text today James instructed members of the church to “pray for one another”. It is a powerful thing to pray for one another and share our burdens and joys.
Last week we celebrated the life of two great men in our church – Leigh Holt and Butch Canon. It was great to see the church love, support, and pray for one another in this time of grief. Upon hearing the news of Butch’s death, Janet, one of our members, sent me an email sharing what she wrote in her journal about Butch. It was an act of prayer, and with Janet’s permission, I share it with you:
“Life is so short. Even for an older man. Butch Canon died suddenly yesterday. I am really struggling to process those words. Brad talked about the power of words on Sunday, and yet, I simply cannot process those words. Yes, Butch lived a beautiful life with his wife and family, and yes, he has no doubt met God. But I am so very sad.”
“I will look for his hug on Sunday morning. I will long for his precious, knowing smile that always lit up when you walked in the room. I will miss the person, the knowing, the comfort and the unconditional support.”
“I don’t know much about his life or his background but the person that I knew is exactly the kind of person that I long to be. He was never afraid to welcome and love anyone that passed his way. Butch had zero judgment and a wild, untamed generosity. The lives that he positively and personally impacted are innumerable. He was a true example of Christ. We are all better for having been a recipient of his smile and his healing hugs, welcome, and love. I know I will forever remember and continue to learn from his example.”
I like what Henri Nouwen wrote regarding sadness and grief:
“The Word of God is not a word to apply in our daily lives at some later date; it is a word to heal us through, and in, our listening here and now. The questions therefore are: How does God come to me as I listen to the word? How are my sadness, grief, and my mourning being transformed in this very moment? Do I sense the fire of God’s love purifying my heart and giving me new life? These questions lead me to the sacrament of the word, the sacred place of God’s real presence.”
Questions for Reflection
How are you listening to God in your daily life?
Who are you praying for today?
Recall a time when others prayed specifically for you. What was the impact?
Sharing in someone else’s pain and suffering is an act of love. It is also an act of love to share in another person’s joy and celebration. When was the last time you celebrated someone else’s success, joy, etc.?
Prayer:
“Almighty and all loving God, we thank you for the gift of each other and the gift of prayer. Help us to consider the needs of others as we pray for one another and open our lives to you in prayer to truly listen to your calling upon us. Amen.”
Have a great week!
In Christ,
Brad
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To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine