“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.)

Read Acts 15

In Acts 15 we find the story of the Jerusalem Council. Peter and the other followers of Christ were engaged in a debate with Jewish Christians regarding the Gentiles and whether they would be welcomed in the Church and eligible for salvation in Christ. After much debate, Peter stood up and said to those gathered:

“My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us, and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, as they will.”

Long story short – inclusivity and grace won the day. God’s offer of love, grace, and salvation through Jesus Christ has been offered for all ever since. Salvation comes not from what we do but from what God has done for us in Christ. In our culture that is heavily slanted to production and “what have you done for me lately” it can be difficult to fully appreciate and receive grace.

In our text today Peter spoke of the yoke of the law and the burden that was impossible to bear. Jesus also spoke of a yoke in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

A yoke was meant for two oxen to walk side by side. So, when Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you,” he did not imply that we walk alone. Rather, we walk side by side with him and we do so in a spirit of grace. If you find yourself as one of the weary ones carrying heavy burdens, remember to receive the yoke of Christ’s grace and know that you never walk alone.

Prayer

Loving God, we give you thanks for your grace and salvation in Jesus Christ. Help us to find our rest in you and live our lives in a spirit of love and grace. Amen.

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**The Vine Devotional and First Glance podcast will be on hiatus for July, but will return in August.**