To abide: Like a branch on the vine #1.7
The Mystery of the True Vine by Andrew Murray
To Abide: Like a Branch on the Vine #1.7
By Olea Nel
Photograph below is of a vineyard in Wellington, where Andrew Murray ministered
Our role as the branch[image error]
In the Parable of the Vine spoken of in John 15, God is depicted as the Husbandman, Christ as the vine, and we the branches. And because this parable represents spiritual realities, Andrew Murray urges us to take note of our role as the branch.
Lesson 1: Entire consecration
Andrew Murray points out that the branch is simply a bit of wooden outgrowth for the purpose of bearing fruit. At the same time it is similar to the vine by having its same nature, life and spirit. So the lesson we should be learning from this is that our life needs to be entirely given up to Christ to bear fruit. He adds: “Happy is the soul who knows this.”
Lesson 2: Perfect conformity
Just as the branch is exactly like the vine in every aspect, so we, as believers, need to know that we are partakers of Christ’s divine nature, and that our calling is to yield ourselves to Him so that we can grow into his perfect likeness.
Lesson 3: Absolute dependence
The branches of the vine are only there to receive the life sap and strength that the vine provides. In a similar way, we are called to a life of unceasing dependence upon Christ, our Vine, as we can provide nothing of and through ourselves.
Lesson 4: Undoubting confidence
All a branch can do is yield and receive the life-giving sap that the vine provides. Once the Christian understands this spiritual principle, he is able to rest in the faith that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4: 13).
Lesson 5: Bearing fruit for God
So why is it so important for us to bear fruit? Andrew Murray answers this question by pointing out that fruit is always gathered to be taken away. In a similar way, our fruit-bearing is never for our own maintenance, but for one thing only: to carry God’s saving love to men. It is the one object for which we were made Christians.
Lesson 6: There are degrees in abiding
Based upon Scripture, Andrew Murray points to the fact that there are many degrees in abiding because there are many degrees in seeking after and serving God. They can range from “not with a perfect heart” (2 Chronicles 25: 2) to “with the whole heart” in Psalm 119: 2. With this in mind, Andrew Murray expresses the view that there is unspeakable danger in doing much work but bearing little fruit because of the lack of a vital relationship with Christ.
He reminds us yet again that we need to yield ourselves into God’s hands as ”He comes to us as a Father who gives what He asks and works what He commands.”
References
The Mystery of the True Vine: chapters 3, 4, 5 & 9.
First published in: http://www.onandrewmurray.com
Tags: The Mystery of the True Vine by Andrew Murray
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You may also be interested in reading the previous blogs in this series on Abide in Christ:
#1.1 When and why it was written.
#1.2 Background to the English version.
#1.4 What does it mean to abide?
