Verse: John 15:9-11 ESV
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Devotion
Jesus continues to use the word “abide” throughout this entire 15th chapter. He keeps with the analogy of Himself being the vine, and us being the branches. The Father is the vinedresser, pruning those that do not bear fruit (John 15:1-5). He gives such a simple command to these things and what He offers is priceless: fullness of joy and love in the Father. As a side note: If you haven’t read this chapter in its entirety, I would encourage you to, as it helps understand what Jesus is saying.
As I was reading this verse this time I thought of something that I haven’t thought before; this whole chapter is a compilation of commands from the Lord. In the Old Testament you see countless occasions where God gives His people commands and waits to see what they will do. The Israelites, for example, had so many chances where the Lord gave them strict and direct commands. He told them that to keep His commands would mean blessing and that they would see the Promised Land, but if they disobeyed, there would be discipline. In John 15, Jesus is still giving us this option. We can abide in Him, staying steadfast and obedient and bear much fruit. We have the opportunity to receive the blessings that are our inheritance. Or, we can choose the difficult road, leaving us without our intended blessing.
When I was a child, if I had done something wrong or disobeyed my parents, they would ask me to tell them what wrong I had done and ask for forgiveness. They would always say, “Jillian, you do have a choice. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Just remember that if you choose the hard way, it will be hard for both of us because we love you.” If I chose not to repent, it would pain them to see me choose the hard road. They wanted to have reason to be proud, offer forgiveness, then rejoice with me that I had been obedient. In the same way, I believe the Father wants for us to receive the fullness of joy and love that is set for us, but oh how we must grieve His heart when we steal from Him the chance to rejoice with us in our obedience.
Practically, I think this looks like a daily choice. The easy and hard roads sometimes look all-too similar and sometimes even appear opposite when standing at the fork. In fact, I believe “easy” doesn’t mean that the process won’t involve difficult choices. Dying to the flesh can be very difficult, but Jesus says “my yoke is easy and my burdens are light (Matt 11:30).” He is so worth it. In the morning invite Him into your day, but don’t let that be the last word. In conversations, decisions, and thoughts, remember that He is close. Dive into the Scriptures and meditate on His words because they are life. Know His love and remember His promises. Abiding is staying steadfast in these things.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your commands that are still relevant and contain great blessing. We desire to abide in you; your word, your presence and your promises. We are thankful to have the perfect Father who is righteous, but patient. We don’t want to keep you waiting, God. We want your presence today and ask for you to bring consistency in our choice for you. Thank you that our inheritance and blessings are ripe for the picking to those who bear good fruit. Let us receive joy in full and love abounding.
Author: Jillian Tulowitzky
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