“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much
fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so
have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15: 7-9)
I honestly do not know how to interpret these words that Jesus is to have spoken. When I sit with them, I am reminded of the following words in Matthew which Jesus is also to have spoken.
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:28-31, 33-34)
If I “seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness,” these words of Jesus indicate that God’s kingdom is already here. For me it is a spiritual place where I am learning to surrender and trust God’s love to take care of me. This new place for me becomes more alive and surprising with each day. I see the physical world with its amazing diversity with more appreciation now. I hear music inspired by God’s gifts to creative composers and performers. I feel the compassionate actions of other people. Now that I am learning to live in “His Kingdom,” as my faith increases so does my ability to follow His guidance.
I pray that by remaining in God’s love, I will be able to “bear much fruit” in whatever form it may take.
Fran MacEachren
I honestly do not know how to interpret these words that Jesus is to have spoken. When I sit with them, I am reminded of the following words in Matthew which Jesus is also to have spoken.
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:28-31, 33-34)
If I “seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness,” these words of Jesus indicate that God’s kingdom is already here. For me it is a spiritual place where I am learning to surrender and trust God’s love to take care of me. This new place for me becomes more alive and surprising with each day. I see the physical world with its amazing diversity with more appreciation now. I hear music inspired by God’s gifts to creative composers and performers. I feel the compassionate actions of other people. Now that I am learning to live in “His Kingdom,” as my faith increases so does my ability to follow His guidance.
I pray that by remaining in God’s love, I will be able to “bear much fruit” in whatever form it may take.
Fran MacEachren
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