| “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” |
| —John 15:4a |
Here’s a warning that has become all too common today:
“Wherever you go, travel in a group: at least three people, but more is better.”
No, I was not in a foreign country when I received that admonition from the concierge at the hotel where I was staying. I was in a major American city. I won’t name that city because the event occurred many years ago and safety issues may have improved there in the intervening years—though recent reports on the television nightly news seems to indicate that crime has greatly increased there. Traveling with others seems like a good idea.
As believers in the life-changing power of the Lord Jesus Christ, we do well to understand the role of close fellowship with other believers. Even more importantly, as we walk the road of life, we need to maintain close fellowship with our Savior. Please take note of Jesus’ words as recorded in John 15:1-4:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Here Jesus urges His disciples to remain in Him. We need to heed these words of our Lord, as well. We must remain in Him.
I have written in other blog posts about the New Testament Koine Greek word “meno,” which is translated “remain.” Other translations render this word “abide” or “stick with” or “stay close to.” The message is clear: to make our way safely through this life, we need to stay as close as possible to “the One who knows us the best and also loves us the most”—Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King.
Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
