“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away…” (John 15:2)

The vine. The husbandman. And now, the branch. The branch doesn’t have to do anything. Simply by connecting to the vine, sap and strength flow into that piece of wood so it may bear fruit. Oh, how we strive, perform, and tirelessly labor to produce fruit at times! Yet, all God bids us to do is be still in Him.

I’ll share what I read in Andrew Murray’s Meditations on John 15 because he states it more beautifully than I could: “There is the lesson of entire consecration. The branch has but one object for which it exists, one purpose to which it is entirely given up. That is, to bear the fruit the vine wishes to bring forth. And so the believer has but one reason for his being a branch – but one reason for his existence on earth – that the heavenly Vine may through him bring forth His fruit. Happy the soul that knows this, that has consented to it, and that says, I have been redeemed and I live for one thing – as exclusively as the natural branch exists only to bring forth fruit, I too.”

It’s a one for One life. You have one purpose and that is simply to exist for the One. One for One. Write that down on a sticky note. Let it be etched into your soul: one for One. Your one purpose is to stay focused on the One. Just be. Be the branch. Be still. Be one thing even though the world wants you to be all things to all. Become grounded and still by living for One, and then watch how your one focus produces a multiplicity of fruit.

Praise

Mighty One, you provided us with the most priceless one for One experience: Jesus Christ. One perfect sacrifice for one wicked heart. We burst with praise because you not only provided the sacrifice, you birthed us into a new life. Thank you for your redemption and for being my only One.

Confess

Precious Husbandman, oh how I strive! How I love to perform and prove and be praised. Wreck my heart, Lord, that the noise of this world and these false vines that entangle me would fall away so that I may be free in You. Teach my soul to consent to You, the One.

Petition

God Almighty, there are so many in this world who are not living for the One, but are distracted and busy and hurting. We cry out for their souls to know the One. Whether You choose to use us or someone else, we petition You to gather the lost lives under Your wing and usher them into eternity with You. Amen.