07/02/2024
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (John 15:16)
Nowadays, people get married but do not bear children. They love watching blossoms but not fruits. In seeking the meaning of life they enjoy the process rather than the results.
Jesus however made it clear that the life of a Christian must bear fruit. He compared Himself to the vine, those who followed him were the branches, and the Father was the gardener (Luke 15:1). There are three kinds of branches representing three types of Christians. The dichotomy is between the one connected to the vine, i.e. Christ, and the one not; that is about whether the branch is "in me" (v.2). The definition of "in me" is "abide in me (the Lord)" (v.4); "not in me" means "abide not in me (the Lord)" (v.6), i.e. when the branch is “apart from” the vine (v.5). Then, those that are in the vine are further divided into those that “bear no fruit” and those that “do bear fruit” (v.2).
So, the three kinds of branches are as follows. The first type of branches are those that are in the vine but do not bear fruit, so the gardener cut them off, in order to enable the branches "to bear" fruit. The second type of branches are those that are in the vine and do bear fruit, they have been pruned, for the purpose of becoming "even more fruitful" (v.2). The third type of branches are those that are not in the vine. They are apart from the vine, "cannot bear" fruit, can do nothing, just like branches thrown away and wither; they are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned (v.6).
Being connected to Christ, i.e. to be “in Christ”, is a necessary condition for bearing fruit. Here is a Chinese saying that there is no one under the eaves that does not bend and bow his head. Likewise, there is no subordinate that refuses to listen to the instructions of his supervisor that can keep his job. Yet some people really think otherwise. But the fact is, "apart from me, you can do nothing." (v.5b)
To be “in Christ”, i.e. to abide in Christ, you will naturally not fail to bear fruit. You will inevitably bear fruit, and bear much fruit, to the glory of the Father (v.8). Furthermore, the fruit you bear will last (v.16). When Christians reach the state of "He that abides in me, and I in him" (v.5), i.e. you in me and I in you, we are connected to Christ and are inseparable. Then, whatever we ask the Father in the name of the Lord, He will give it to us (v.16). This is the secret of “ask and it will be given”!
On February 22, 1954, Trans World Radio aired its first broadcast from a small transmitter called "The Voice of Tangier" in Morocco, Europe. Now, the Gospel speaks 230+ languages in 190 countries worldwide! Celebrating the 70th anniversary this month, we remain faithful to the vision of “reaching the world for Jesus Christ through mass media so that lasting fruit is produced.”
Wishing you a Happy Spring Festival, a Blessed Year of the Dragon! May you always abide in the Lord, bear much fruit, fruit that will last! And, may all your prayers be answered, Amen!
